RARE Negro Folk Songs as Sung By Lead Belly 1936 1st ed, John A & Alan Lomax

Description: 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 1st edition, circa 1936NOTE: Public auctions from around 500-3000 US $...higher if "signed" by Lead Belly or authors John or Alan. of course I couldn't find any signatures, but always increasing in value. Great investment. Author: Lead Belly, pseudonym for Huddie Ledbetter, John A. Lomax 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: Only by book owner, name stamped "ISRAEL" Edition: First Edition Binding: Hardcover Condition: Good, typical wear of a book much admired. 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). Condition: Since 1936, you can see the fingerprints and the Rare Article clipping of Lomax passing away at 80yrs old, published ASAP from NY City newspaper article that has stayed in the same pages since 1948. Rear of article clipping has ad for entertainment at The Roxy Theater, NY City. Book is Very good original used condition, minus paper jacket cover. Again on front inside is a signature stamp of the book owner, fellow friend, "ISRAEL" Keeping Support for the Musicians who keep the Music History Going! NOTE: Check pics on story of very familiar song "IRENE", Lomax in "Finding Lead Belly" and "Gwine Dig A Hole To Put De Devil In" as the "fiddle" is always credited to be The Devils Instrument...as Charlie Daniels has always known ;-)Another NOTE: Sold AS IS and No Returns and Enjoy this Rare Book!

Price: 449.49 USD

Location: Pottstown, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-11-06T22:01:55.000Z

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