Limited edition 180g vinyl – the complete album + 4 bonus tracks.

Leadbelly (born Huddie William Ledbetter 1888-1949) was one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. The great blues and folk singer-songwriter is renowned for his powerful songs as well as for his prowess on the 12-string guitar. Belly’s material influenced folk, skiffle, and rock. The list of artists that have paid tribute to him by covering his songs is endless; Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Waits, and Bruce Springsteen, among many others.

Presented here is his complete Capitol 1962 LP Leadbelly, which also contains a session he recorded for that label in 1944. All these songs constitute a treasure trove of incalculable value, which would form the basis and spirit of Leadbelly’s legend and secure his reputation as one of the greatest pioneers of that classic era.

“This is an exceptionally valuable Leadbelly collection. Not only was he at the peak vocal and instrumental abilities when these 12 selections were recorded, but the selections themselves are all interesting pieces of folklore. This is one of the essential folk albums. Beautifully recorded too.” – ***** Down Beat