Goodnight, Irene
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"Goodnight, Irene" or "Irene, Goodnight," is a 20th-century American folk standard, written in 34 time, first recorded by American blues musician Huddie 'Lead Belly' Ledbetter in 1933. A version recorded by the Weavers was a #1 hit in 1950.
Sheet music for "Goodnight, Irene" by the Weavers
Huddie William Ledbetter (1888-1949), better known as Lead Belly
Lead Belly
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Huddie William Ledbetter, better known by the stage name Lead Belly, was an American folk and blues singer notable for his strong vocals, virtuosity on the twelve-string guitar, and the folk standards he introduced, including his renditions of "In the Pines", "Goodnight, Irene", "Midnight Special", "Cotton Fields", and "Boll Weevil".
Lead Belly with a melodeon c. 1942
Lead Belly's draft registration card in 1942 (SERIAL NUMBER U2214 and address listed as 604 E 9TH ST., N.Y. N. Y.)
Lead Belly at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. between 1938 and 1948
Lead Belly and Martha Promise Ledbetter, Wilton, Connecticut, February 1935