<OTOJIRO Music Film Recommendations, Vol. 1> Lead Belly: The Man Who Laid the Foundations of Rock — The Starting Point for the Beatles and Bob Dylan

A journey through the little-known legend of the man who changed music history

“Goodnight, Irene,” “Cotton Fields,” and “The Midnight Special.” The fact that this documentary is about the man who wrote these three songs—each covered countless times around the world—will be enough to make serious rock fans want to see it. Without Lead Belly, Britain might never have had the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, or the other British Invasion groups inspired by Lonnie Donegan’s skiffle boom. The United States might likewise never have had Bob Dylan, who absorbed Lead Belly’s influence through Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. At the very least, today’s musical map of the world would look dramatically different.

This music documentary approaches the truth about Lead Belly, a man who can fairly be said to have “changed music history.” At the same time, it is a journey in search of the roots of popular music.

It also features extensive archive footage and photographs preserving the performances and compelling voice of Lead Belly, celebrated as a “legendary 12-string guitarist.” A rare live scene shows Paul McCartney covering one of his songs. The film traces the life of a man whose music was covered by hundreds of artists—including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and the Beach Boys—and whose influence on the rock scene that followed was immeasurable.

Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll

Kino Cinema Tenjinopens Friday, May 23, 2025

<Story>

Born Huddie Ledbetter in Louisiana in 1888, Lead Belly learned guitar at an early age and began playing in Shreveport’s red-light district as a teenager. Popular at dance parties and with women, he attracted resentment from other men, repeatedly became involved in trouble, and was imprisoned several times. In prison he later met the father-and-son folklorists John and Alan Lomax. Captivated by his musicianship, they petitioned for his release and recorded a song asking the governor for a pardon. Afterward, Lead Belly helped the Lomaxes collect and record songs. They introduced his music to the world, where it thrilled audiences. Even after his death in 1949 at the age of 61, musicians continued to cover his songs, inspiring successive generations to create new music.

Director: Curt Hahn

Featuring: Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte, B.B. King, Joan Baez, Anna Lomax Wood, Arlo Guthrie, Odetta, and others

2021 / USA / 80 min. / Color / Stereo / Original title: “Lead Belly – The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll” / Japanese subtitle supervision: Peter Barakan and Junko Asahi / Distributor: NEGA

©2024 House of Lead Belly

Article contributor: Shinya Matsuo
Chair, Music City Tenjin Executive Committee
Vice Chair for Planning and Operations, Fukuoka Music City Council