I like Leadbelly, the best song I heard was "Goodnight Irene" (1949), it's a very sad song. The Weavers did a version in 1950. On the Leadbelly version I like the lyrics: "If Irene turns her back on me I'll take morphine and die."
Leadbelly's version also has the lyric "I'll get you in my dreams",which is a lot hipper than the later sanitized "I'll see you in my dreams."
Yes, Leadbelly's version is much more hip than the Weavers version. The Weavers version is a pop remake of the folk song. The Weavers version is very good too. Jefferson Airplane had Grace Slick for one of the lead singers because of the Weavers. Basically Jefferson Airplane was influenced by the folk pop of the Weavers who were recorded by Lomax. Lomax was the folklorist who discovered Leadbelly in prison in the early 30's. I also find similarities between the Weavers and the 60's folk pop group The Seekers.
goodnight irene is a beautiful song. where did you sleep last night is pretty special and i love nirvanas cover of it.
I like to listen to leadbelly when im high more than not. The lyrics of irene good night and the jim crow blues send chills down my spine everytime i hear them
I love the guy! Named lead belly cuz of the amount of times he's been shot ya know... anyhoo, im a fan of where did you sleep last night
This thread on blues great Leadbelly is in the folk forum for five months without me seeing it! I thought he woulda been in the Rhythm & Blues sub-forum, where I see other blues threads put. Dang subforums! hehe I love his work, and hes a great influence on everyones influences, no matter what style or when.
