Lead Belly – Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll

Iconic blues and folk musician Lead Belly’s captivating story is brought to life in the awe-inspiring documentary, with extraordinary guest stars.

George Harrison famously claimed, “No Lead Belly, no Beatles.” Revered by countless musicians – the 1st record Janis Joplin ever bought was Lead Belly. The definitive bio, with historic performances and extraordinary archive access. The folk/blues icon, from childhood through prison to worldwide fame. Stories and performances from Joplin, Harry Belafonte, BB King, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Odetta and many more.

Huddie Leadbetter: Lead Belly. King of the 12 String Guitar. Born in poverty, he became a master folk innovator who inspired rock and roll. Woody Guthrie called him the greatest folk singer. Hundreds of artists have covered his songs – The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Nirvana and Led Zeppelin spring to mind. Interviews and performances by Janis Joplin, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney, B.B. King, Alan Lomax, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Odetta. Hollywood film clips, archive performances and intimate inside accounts dispel myths and let his true personality shine through.

His 12-string guitar grooves also powered The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Van Morrison, not to mention Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Nirvana, The White Stripes and rock & roll in general. This is the definitive, nearly 90-minute story, featuring original interviews, a wealth of performance and archival footage, and even carefully selected clips from Hollywood films.

     —Carlos Pérez Báez, Dirty Rock