Legendary American folk and blues singer-songwriter Huddie Ledbetter, known professionally as Lead Belly, died on December 6th, 1949 at the age of 61. Born on January 20th, 1888 in Mooringsport, Louisiana, Ledbetter grew up as a representative of multiple music genres, including folk, blues, gospel, and country. He frequently played both the 12-string and 6-string guitar and accompanied his music with his unique vocal technique. His concert performances often included a range of musical styles in order to captivate his audiences. Lead Belly quickly gained a reputation as a skilled blues and folk singer, which earned him attention from notable blues personalities such as W. C. Handy and Blind Lemon Jefferson. He was ultimately signed to a record label in 1934, which enabled him to record several of his own songs. Among these songs, Lead Belly gained worldwide popularity with his renditions of "Good Night Irene", and "Midnight Special". Throughout his career, Lead Belly left a lasting impact on many genres of music, including through his influence on metal and punk bands of the 1970s. Lead Belly was known for his commitment to telling stories in his songwriting. One of his most poignant works was the controversial "Bourgeois Blues". This song took aim at the discrimination and segregation of African Americans across the United States. The legacy left behind by Lead Belly continues to influence music today. His distinctive voice and contributions to folk and blues music will never be forgotten.