Description: Negro Folk Songs as Sung by LEAD BELLY John A. and Alan LomaxNegro Folk Songs as Sung By Lead Belly, 'King of the Twelve-String Guitar Players of the World,' Long-Time Convict in the Penitentiaries of Texas and Louisiana by [Lead Belly, pseudonym for Huddie Ledbetter] Lomax, John A. and Alan Lomax (transcribed, selected and edited by). 1st ed Author: [Lead Belly, pseudonym for Huddie Ledbetter] Lomax, John A. and Alan Lomax (transcribed, selected and edited by) Title: Negro Folk Songs as Sung By Lead Belly, 'King of the Twelve-String Guitar Players of the World,' Long-Time Convict in the Penitentiaries of Texas and Louisiana Published: New York: MacMillan Co., 1936Signed: No Edition: First Edition Binding: Hardcover Condition: Good Description: xiv, 242 pages. The first 64-pages of this book are devoted to Lead Belly's biography, mostly phonetically transcribed from Lead Belly's own account of his life, growing up poor and living on the edge of poverty and violence and eventually landing in prison. The remainder of the book transcribes several dozen of his songs, with musical notation and commentary by the Lomaxes. The Lomaxes, father and son, discovered Huddie (HUGH-die) Ledbetter, who everyone called Lead Belly (only later condensed into one word), at Angola State Prison, in Louisiana, where he was frequently trotted out to entertain visitors. In their travels across the country recording traditional music for the Library of Congress, they had met many talented performers, but no one with the powerful personality, musical gift, or the extensive repertoire of folk songs of Lead Belly. After Lead Belly's release from prison in 1934 (which may or may not have been assisted by the Lomaxes' recording of his plea for clemency in ballad form), the Lomaxes sought to manage Lead Belly's career as a performer. They knew a lot about music but little about the music business, and the relationship had fallen apart even before this book--which must have been seen as part of their effort to promote Lead Belly's performances--was published. A commercial flop, receiving a long, condescending review in the New York Times, the book still stands as one of the most substantial biographies of a black musician to be published before the Second World War. Lead Belly spent the last fifteen years of his life performing, influencing the white folk music scene, blues, and eventually rock 'n' roll. An indisputably important book. First edition (first printing). ********PLEASE READ ABOUT THE CONDITION***** The Condition of this book is GOOD. There is no front cover included. The top right corner of the hardcover has crease but that does not effect the inside or pages. There is also a slight pen mark near the 'D' of Lead on the cover. There is also a slight nick and tiny tear on several pages on the edges. Please look closely at the photos above to see the damage described please. SOLD AS IS! Please ask any questions before buying. Thanks for looking.
Price: 599.99 USD
Location: Los Angeles, California
End Time: 2024-12-10T22:07:06.000Z
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Binding: Hardcover
Subject: Biography & Autobiography
Year Printed: 1936
