This is priceless. So many people like him not recognised enough for the part they played in the development of blues, rock ,guitar. That bass line of his is truly something else not to mention the rest including his voice. Love it.
I love Leadbelly. This song is a great classic in folk blues. Leadbelly was the master of the 12-string guitar. And he inspired Pete Seeger to play in that special stile. Leadbelly wrote a lot of classic folk songs: Goodnight Irene. In the Pines. In New Orleans. When I was a cowboy. John Henry and many others. He is one of my absolute favorites in music. I love his special signature! Thank you so much!
Actually he didn't write "rising sun" or any of those songs you mentioned, he was just the first to be recorded doing them. Which makes sense because recording hadn't been around for that long, especially for black musicians. So he picked those songs up and walla he was the first to record all the good old folk songs and get the credit. He may have written "when I was a cowboy" though.
It was cotton picking music, he just made it public. Blues and rock and roll are because of him, Elvis can run through a corn field backwards in comparison.
Man, I might be wrong. But it sounds like this Leadbelly dude played this rendition of the song in drop B tuning. The rhythm, chord sequence and voice sound so refreshing. Timeless, tight and catchy stuff right there.
No... this one I link is closer to the first. Leadbelly's and this little group sound more alike than Leadbelly's and The Animals, for instance. Blues has its roots in black AND white history. th-cam.com/video/147kS8O59Qs/w-d-xo.html
Imagine if you will you just sitting in the 20s n 30s just chilling, no TV no internet no phone, just listening to the radio and use your imagination to travel. Miss those days..
He played a 12 string guitar with heavy gauge strings. He sang his way out of prison twice. However he has another different version of this song. The song itself predates Leadbelly and has, like many folk songs, several very different versions.
Muito interessante ele ter a inspiração de fazer esse som, nessa época. Tenho todo o respeito e relembro que somos o que somos hoje, graças aos nossos antepassados e tudo o que eles passaram, descobriram e desenvolveram. Thank you for this masterpiece.
I just watched a "music documentary" about the life of Eric Burden - lead singer in the Animals. According to this version of history Eric fell out with Alan Price because somehow the sheet music for the song credeited Alan Price (keyboards) with the words & music. The film showed the sheet music which did indeed bear Alan Price's name. This of course meant that royalties would go solely to Alan Price. I wouldn't be at all shocked to find that this wasn't the whole truth. I don't know where we'd be without Leadbelly to act as the source/inspiration for those who came later.
I heard during my studies 15 years ago that he claimed to have been shot, and that the bullet had never been removed. A lot of myths about Leadbelly should be taken with a grain of salt, as he made up or exaggerated a lot them himself. He also claimed to have charmed his way out of gaol by playing so beautifully that the warden let him go.
just great 12 string guitar I'm tempted to step down a half step just to be in key with Huddie but I won't. don't want to outright copycat. as it's much more fun when it's a little off, gets me to think and add lib if I'm a step higher. it's just that pesky one low note difference and it really does make a difference too. keep sounding a little Tom Waits like. the chords odd ringing slightly off key which by the way is all fine and dandy with me. Leadbelly' is still inspiring
I was this many days old to learn how many songs were stolen from Leadbelly. I know he is far not the only African-American artist to have this happen to him. I truly hope that their contribution is brought to light.
I’ve been tuned into Leadbelly’s work since the ‘90’s and it’s been eye opening to see his influence. I like when bands give him credit. Nirvana covered a song but gave credit before the cover saying he is their favorite performer.
Leadbelly didn't write this song, goodnight Irene, in the pines, or midnight special. He didn't write a lot of great folk songs he did, but he was the first to record them.
@@jhaj457 it’s not drop b. It’ll be something like b standard which when you drop tune it, turns to drop a, I should’ve said b standard instead of drop a but is still the same tuning as drop a. But yes you are right, it is in the key of b
This was originally a white song. There's a very big case to be made against the whitewashing of black music for white audiences, but this song is originally an English folk song that's possibly many centuries old
@@aloysiusdevadanderabercrombie8 If you're referring to The Unfortunate Rake, there are some similarities, as there are with many folk songs of any origin....but I think it's a stretch to say this is originally n English folk song; rather, many English folk musicians who came after Leadbelly modeled THEIR renditions of The Unfortunate Rake on this song.
@@patricias5122 I am indeed referring to The Unfortunate Rake, and I believe it does come from that origin. Even if it does not, the oldest currently surviving publication of the lyrics was published by a white dude in 1925, the earliest recording was by two white dudes in 1933, and one of them said he learned it from his granddad. Miners apparently knew it as far back as 1905. Lead Belly didn't record his version until 1945, and he most likely learned it while driving for musicologist Alan Lomax, who recorded a 16 year old white girl singing it in the 30s. It _is_ maybe possible all these people stole it from black communities across half a century, but I find it more likely and honestly more appealing to imagine they did indeed learn it from generations prior to them, and that it was in fact a tweak on a much older song. It certainly is a nicer story, and there's no evidence to say it's not true. Versions of the song had been found in other areas of the country with different lyrics, not even referencing a house called the Rising Sun nor New Orleans. These could be reimaginings of an original New Orleans song, but I find it more likely that the New Orleans version was just another version of an older tune that referred to elsewhere. Like I said, there is a LOT you can say about the theft and sterilization of originally black music for the white majority of America, and I mean a LOT, but this song is one of the few that is probably innocent of that.
@@aloysiusdevadanderabercrombie8 I agree with much of what you said. However, there is truth in the axiom that "All music is [at least partly] derivative." For example, Leadbelly was not the first person to sing and play the guitar at the same time. But I wouldn't say he "borrowed" that idea. However, unless someone else played the song with that rocking rhythm and exciting 12-string guitar solos, this is at least an *original version*, and a damn fine one at that! A minor, possible correction: According to Blues Discography 1943-1970 2nd edition, Leadbelly recorded this in February 1944, not 1945. He did record at least two other versions later.) I sure wish I could play the guitar like that.
This is priceless. So many people like him not recognised enough for the part they played in the development of blues, rock ,guitar. That bass line of his is truly something else not to mention the rest including his voice. Love it.
Kurt cobain did mention him in his very last appearance (MTV unplugged show) if I correctly recall... This is why I know LeadBelly! 🙏
Ledbelly is a Legend, PERIOD, not to a specific genre, he's just a legend.
Agreed his effect on almost every genre is so strong
This man had such a unique feel to him, nostalgic blues is the only way I have of describing it
The Animals, Nirvana, Ramjam .... all covered Leadbelly's songs ... a true American legend!
This isn't Lead Bellys song
@@williamreynolds7050 id say like many of his songs this is an American experience song that has been passed down the line through time
@@dylanc5821 pretty much
Led Zeppelin too
This is a song passed down thru generations. Original artist is likely unknown
I love Leadbelly. This song is a great classic in folk blues. Leadbelly was the master of the 12-string guitar. And he inspired Pete Seeger to play in that special stile. Leadbelly wrote a lot of classic folk songs: Goodnight Irene. In the Pines. In New Orleans. When I was a cowboy. John Henry and many others. He is one of my absolute favorites in music. I love his special signature! Thank you so much!
Actually he didn't write "rising sun" or any of those songs you mentioned, he was just the first to be recorded doing them. Which makes sense because recording hadn't been around for that long, especially for black musicians. So he picked those songs up and walla he was the first to record all the good old folk songs and get the credit. He may have written "when I was a cowboy" though.
It was cotton picking music, he just made it public. Blues and rock and roll are because of him, Elvis can run through a corn field backwards in comparison.
Man, I might be wrong. But it sounds like this Leadbelly dude played this rendition of the song in drop B tuning. The rhythm, chord sequence and voice sound so refreshing. Timeless, tight and catchy stuff right there.
Right -- he usually tuned his 12-string down a major fourth, to BEADF#B
Pretty much THE first Rock N Roll recording, in my opinion. Right here.
country and rock
No... this one I link is closer to the first. Leadbelly's and this little group sound more alike than Leadbelly's and The Animals, for instance. Blues has its roots in black AND white history. th-cam.com/video/147kS8O59Qs/w-d-xo.html
ever heard of blind boy fuller?
If you were going to pick a Leadbelly song as rock n roll, I'd say it would be "4, 5 and 9".
@memyself Check out Josh White's version, which was recorded before Leadbelly's, I think you'll like it!
great, great guitarplaying from a master
music at its finest
Rawest version of this song, you can tell he has spent many a days in some similar house
Imagine if you will you just sitting in the 20s n 30s just chilling, no TV no internet no phone, just listening to the radio and use your imagination to travel. Miss those days..
I wish times were like then
He played a 12 string guitar with heavy gauge strings. He sang his way out of prison twice. However he has another different version of this song. The song itself predates Leadbelly and has, like many folk songs, several very different versions.
Muito interessante ele ter a inspiração de fazer esse som, nessa época. Tenho todo o respeito e relembro que somos o que somos hoje, graças aos nossos antepassados e tudo o que eles passaram, descobriram e desenvolveram. Thank you for this masterpiece.
Gives me chills. :-D
Thanks for sharing this.
I just watched a "music documentary" about the life of Eric Burden - lead singer in the Animals. According to this version of history Eric fell out with Alan Price because somehow the sheet music for the song credeited Alan Price (keyboards) with the words & music. The film showed the sheet music which did indeed bear Alan Price's name. This of course meant that royalties would go solely to Alan Price. I wouldn't be at all shocked to find that this wasn't the whole truth.
I don't know where we'd be without Leadbelly to act as the source/inspiration for those who came later.
Yep my grandpal definitely inspired by Leadbelly I love it!!!!
L'accompagnement est trop cool, respect aux Animals d'avoir créé une autre chanson à partir de celle-ci.
Asmoe. What a song
How'd he get the name lead belly? Was he shot in the stomach?
stabbed fr'm what i know
i think thats a term for someone who drinks the most wretched rotgut stuff thatd kill most men
His actual last name was Ledbetter, so it's a combination of a play on words and a reference to drinking.
I heard during my studies 15 years ago that he claimed to have been shot, and that the bullet had never been removed. A lot of myths about Leadbelly should be taken with a grain of salt, as he made up or exaggerated a lot them himself. He also claimed to have charmed his way out of gaol by playing so beautifully that the warden let him go.
@@NewhamMatt And why was he shit?
Sensacional
El es autor de muchas canciones
Br é nois
yeeeeeeeaaaaa
True Americana
just great 12 string guitar
I'm tempted to step down a half step just to be in key with Huddie
but I won't.
don't want to outright copycat.
as it's much more fun when it's a little off, gets me to think
and add lib if I'm a step higher.
it's just that pesky one low note difference
and it really does make a
difference too.
keep sounding a little Tom Waits like.
the chords odd ringing slightly off key which by the way
is all fine and dandy with me.
Leadbelly' is still inspiring
The 6 people who did'nt like this should NEVER be allowed to listen to music!!!
This is the most stupid comment I've seen in a long time.
I was this many days old to learn how many songs were stolen from Leadbelly. I know he is far not the only African-American artist to have this happen to him. I truly hope that their contribution is brought to light.
I’ve been tuned into Leadbelly’s work since the ‘90’s and it’s been eye opening to see his influence. I like when bands give him credit. Nirvana covered a song but gave credit before the cover saying he is their favorite performer.
If Leadbelly was here, he'd probably be the first to tell you that he "stole" this song, as you put it.
Big Bill Broontzy was another, Elvis stole a lot from him.
Leadbelly didn't write this song, goodnight Irene, in the pines, or midnight special. He didn't write a lot of great folk songs he did, but he was the first to record them.
Y'all should give a listen to the version by Frijid Pink on here. Even better than The Animals. Check it out.
thanks for the tip!
Where leadbelly was born is a 3 hour drive from were I am
Blu Jay u ever visit his home🤔
Matthew Couvillion go visit fool
R led belly getair blues singer is house of the rising sun original singer.even thow the animals in the 60's change the beat of it
the guitar playing sound like walk the line, wonder if he inspired johnny cash
He most definitely did. Very much so.
Does anyone know if this is the 1944 or the 1948 recording? Thanks
This is the 1944 recording, the 48 recording had his wife singing with him on guitar.
This is nice. But he sings a less uptempo version, that is slower more bluesy version of this I wish someone would post.
He met Robert Johnson at the crossroads
the first punk song!!!!!! change my mind :P
Noticed he is practically in drop a?
Well observed! I think it's drop B tuning. Not too sure though:)
@@jhaj457 it’s not drop b. It’ll be something like b standard which when you drop tune it, turns to drop a, I should’ve said b standard instead of drop a but is still the same tuning as drop a. But yes you are right, it is in the key of b
was in stir for murder played the boss a song and the boss set him free. . true story, then he was sent back for attempted murder. . .
Dats aints no whites boys music.
The animals made a quite different song from lead bellys this song. Just the lyrics of the songs are same😮
This song later got whited out like many great songs.
it actually originates from folk songs from Europe.
This was originally a white song. There's a very big case to be made against the whitewashing of black music for white audiences, but this song is originally an English folk song that's possibly many centuries old
@@aloysiusdevadanderabercrombie8 If you're referring to The Unfortunate Rake, there are some similarities, as there are with many folk songs of any origin....but I think it's a stretch to say this is originally n English folk song; rather, many English folk musicians who came after Leadbelly modeled THEIR renditions of The Unfortunate Rake on this song.
@@patricias5122 I am indeed referring to The Unfortunate Rake, and I believe it does come from that origin. Even if it does not, the oldest currently surviving publication of the lyrics was published by a white dude in 1925, the earliest recording was by two white dudes in 1933, and one of them said he learned it from his granddad. Miners apparently knew it as far back as 1905. Lead Belly didn't record his version until 1945, and he most likely learned it while driving for musicologist Alan Lomax, who recorded a 16 year old white girl singing it in the 30s. It _is_ maybe possible all these people stole it from black communities across half a century, but I find it more likely and honestly more appealing to imagine they did indeed learn it from generations prior to them, and that it was in fact a tweak on a much older song. It certainly is a nicer story, and there's no evidence to say it's not true. Versions of the song had been found in other areas of the country with different lyrics, not even referencing a house called the Rising Sun nor New Orleans. These could be reimaginings of an original New Orleans song, but I find it more likely that the New Orleans version was just another version of an older tune that referred to elsewhere. Like I said, there is a LOT you can say about the theft and sterilization of originally black music for the white majority of America, and I mean a LOT, but this song is one of the few that is probably innocent of that.
@@aloysiusdevadanderabercrombie8 I agree with much of what you said. However, there is truth in the axiom that "All music is [at least partly] derivative." For example, Leadbelly was not the first person to sing and play the guitar at the same time. But I wouldn't say he "borrowed" that idea. However, unless someone else played the song with that rocking rhythm and exciting 12-string guitar solos, this is at least an *original version*, and a damn fine one at that!
A minor, possible correction: According to Blues Discography 1943-1970 2nd edition, Leadbelly recorded this in February 1944, not 1945. He did record at least two other versions later.) I sure wish I could play the guitar like that.
Blind Lemon Chitlin
Melon
Difficult to listen to... Am I crazy?
acquired taste.
No actually it isn't difficult to listen to. Not for people who appreciate Black folk music.
Nirvana and The Animals etc, ruin all of Leadbelly's songs.
Those aren't his songs, their all old folk songs.
The Bipolar Bear completely different style of music but ok. Besides these aren’t even his songs
Kurt Cobain killed where did you sleep last night. Probably one of the best live performances ever.
The Animals version is awesome. And totally different.
The Bipolar Bear the animals certainly did NOT ruin it! And also it isn’t his song