(1888 – 1949) 'Lead Belly', Black American folk and blues singer notable for his strong vocals, virtuosity on the twelve-string guitar, and the folk standards he introduced including 'In the Pines', 'Pick a Bale of Cotton', 'Goodnight, Irene', 'Black Betty', 'Midnight Special', 'Cotton Fields', and 'Boll Weevil. Spending his youth in and out of prison, Leadbelly was popularized by folklorists John and Alan Lomax who first recorded him while he was serving time in Angola State Penitentiary prison in Louisiana. Brought to New York upon his release in 1934, he became a sensation. Two years later, the Lomaxes compiled this superb and extremely rare book. Published as 'Negro Folk Songs as Sung by Lead Belly', this first (and likely only) edition includes a biography of Ledbetter with scores and lyrics of many of his better-known songs. The frontis photo shows Ledbetter playing guitar, barefoot in overalls while sitting on a pile of sacks. Upon publication in November 1936, the New York Times said, 'The story of Leadbelly is stark realism and raw life. The Lomaxes hardly do more than present their hero...The result is one of the most amazing biographical accounts ever printed in America.' This book was also the first full-length portrait of a folk singer (black or white) in American literature. Ledbetter was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Excessively rare signed book 'Negro Folk Songs as Sung by Lead Belly' by John A. and Alan Lomax (New York: Macmillan Company), 1936. First edition, 242pp. 4to. in beige cloth with red titles. Signed and inscribed in pencil on the title page: 'Huddie Ledbetter To my friend Bob'. Ex libris of the Brooklyn College Library, with bookplate on front cover and ownership punctures within on pages 193/194 and again on title page, slightly affecting Ledbetter's signature. Covers bear moderate soiling and some stains, the spine ends and edges of covers worn a bit, with library marking at bottom of spine. Contents excellent save two or three pencil notes. Good to very good condition overall. The volume features 49 of the artist's most notable songs with musical scores, including 'Frankie and Albert', 'Midnight Special', 'C.C Rider' and 'Shreveport Jail', each with historical notes and commentary by Lead Belly himself. Sold with a University Archives / John Reznikoff C.O.A. as well as our own.