Rare 1940 Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie Program

I've just been listening to a Podcast of the Down Home Radio Show which features a very rare program featuring Huddie Ledbetter (more commonly known as Leadbelly), and the greatest hobo folk singer of them all, Woody Guthrie. The original show was recorded back in 1940 on WNYC. Here's what they say about the show on the Podarama.Com website:

"Leadbelly & Woody Guthrie Live! On WNYC 1940
This week Henrietta and Eli discuss outlaw ballads and how criminals are transformed into popular heroes. In conjunction with that and of extra special interest, they rebroadcast a show Henrietta produced for WNYC radio back in 1940. It is Leadbelly's show and he has as his guest, Woody Guthrie. This program has not been heard since it was first broadcast 67 years ago! Down Home would like to thank WNYC and archivist Andy Lanset for providing us with this rare material."

It seems that back in 1940, Leadbelly had his own radio show on WNYC, and was able to invite his own guests on to the show. On this particular occasion, the guest was Woody Guthrie. It's almost certain that no other records exist of any of Leadbelly's other programs. If that is the case, this show is a rare gem indeed.

The Down Home Radio Show broadcasts online only out of New York City. They have some other excellent programs available for your listening pleasure among the extensive archives. If you like folk music in particular, this station is well worth exploring.

Here's Leadbelly caught on what may be his only filmed appearance. This nine minute film shows him singing Pick a Bale of Cotton, The Grey Goose, and Take This Hammer. The film dates from 1945 and was edited by Pete Seeger.



Enjoy.

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