Alphabet City in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lead Belly
Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly, lived here at 414 East 10th St. in the 1940s with his wife Martha.
Lead Belly played the 12-string guitar and was one of the most influential musicians of all time. He was born in Mooringsport, Louisiana in 1889, and came to New York City in 1935. He was responsible for popularizing such songs as 'Goodnight, Irene', 'Rock Island Line', 'Cottonfields', 'Black Betty' and 'House of the Rising Sun'.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Lead Belly died at Bellevue Hospital on Dec. 6, 1949 from ALS.
"No Lead Belly, no Beatles." George Harrison.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is December 6, 1949.
Location. 40° 43.53′ N, 73° 58.608′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Alphabet City. Marker is on East 10th Street just east of Avenue C, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 414 E 10th St, New York NY 10009, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. La Plaza Cultural Land Acknowledgement (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); GreenThumb (about 500 feet away); Fireman’s Garden
this page online
Unknown, courtesy Library of Congress Collection, Public Domain
3. Lead Belly Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on February 19, 2024.
