Y2801s

American Music - Folk Singers

Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

Folk Musicians

Legends of American Music Series

From Woody Guthrie's This Land is My Land to Leadbelly's Goodnight, Irene folk music has had a big and positive impact on society. Folk musicians deserve the recognition for their many contributions to American music for their performance style and talent as well as their ability to write popular lyrics and musical compositions.

Between 1936 and 1954, Woodrow Wilson Guthrie wrote over 1,000 songs. His This Land is Your Land has become recognized as America's folk anthem. During his performing years, he hitch-hiked across the country playing to small audiences. Once in awhile, there was a radio show. It was only in his later years that his songs became hits. Woody Guthrie, twenty years after his death, has now become the most notable of all folk musicians.

Huddie Ledbetter was born in the late 1800's. Known as Leadbelly, he spent his early years in prison for assault and murder. His captivating personality and gift of song won him pardons from two governors. At an early age he learned to sing and play the guitar, performing with Blues singer Blind Lemon Jefferson. In the 30's he became popular in New York City and in the 40's toured the U.S. and Europe. After he died in 1949, his composition Goodnight, Irene became a hit for Pete Seeger and the Weavers. Other Leadbelly tunes include Rock Island Line and Midnight Special.

The black and white illustrations below cannot do justice to my hand painted cachets. The portraits are beautifully individually watercolored in the traditional Collins style, while the very colorful background effect is something special created by a combination of brush and sponge application. Don't miss this eye-catching set. The final two in the set will be offered next.

American Folk Musicians. Leadbelly (Y2801) and Woody Guthrie (Y2802) at $12.25 each.