Little Boy, How Old Are You? - Leadbelly (1941)
Been saving this one for my golden birthday…
Here’s a pretty good summation of Huddie Ledbetter by Steven Stolder:
Leadbelly wasn’t exactly the Raffi of the Roosevelt era. Convicted of attempted murder and murder, the man born Huddie William Ledbetter on January 20, 1888, in Mooringsport, Louisiana, began forging a career as a performer in the 1930s after his discovery by John and Alan Lomax. By then he’d developed an enormous repertoire as well deft vocal and instrumental skills. Despite his sordid past, Leadbelly won over adults and children alike; this generous 28-song collection demonstrates the source of his pied-piper appeal.
Check out Leadbelly Sings For Children for more bouncy, jaunty tunes from this cheery ex-convict.
