description Leadbelly - Midnight Special Overview
Leadbelly’s *Midnight Special*, released in 1964 by Rounder Records, showcases the powerful vocals and distinctive guitar work of Huddie Ledbetter, known as Leadbelly. This blues album features his renowned interpretations of traditional songs including the title track. It's notable for preserving a vital voice in American roots music. The record is appreciated by fans of country-blues, folk-blues, and those interested in the history of the blues genre.
insights Ranking position
Leadbelly - Midnight Special ranks #47 of 403 in the Blues Album ranking, behind Mississippi Fred McDowell - I Do Not Play No Rock 'N' Roll, ahead of Albert King - Years Gone By.
help Leadbelly - Midnight Special FAQ
Which Midnight Special album by Lead Belly is this?
The title has been used for several Lead Belly releases, so the label and track list matter when identifying a copy. The original Midnight Special album was recorded with Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston in 1946 and issued by Disc Records in 1947.
Did Lead Belly write "The Midnight Special"?
No single modern songwriter can be credited with creating it because "The Midnight Special" developed as a traditional American prison song. Lead Belly's recordings helped make the song famous, and later versions were made by artists including Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Who played with Lead Belly on the original Midnight Special sessions?
Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston joined Lead Belly for the October 1946 New York recordings produced by Moses Asch. Six performances were collected on a three-disc 78 rpm set released in 1947.
Why do Midnight Special reissues have different track lists?
Lead Belly recorded related material for several labels, and later companies reused the familiar song title for different compilations. A 17-track CD called Midnight Special, for example, includes "Rock Island Line," "Alberta," and "See See Rider" in addition to the title song.
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