Leadbelly is a 1976 film chronicling the life of blues singer Huddie Ledbetter. The film was directed by Gordon Parks, and starred Roger E. Mosley in the title role. The film focuses on the troubles of Lead Belly's youth in the segregated South including his time in prison, and his efforts to use his music to gain release.
Wide movie poster for Leadbelly
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