Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll

The New York City première of Curt Hahn’s authorized documentary Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll, which explores the extraordinary journey of music icon Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century popular music. As George Harrison once put it: "No Lead Belly, no Beatles."

Curt Hahn’s authorized documentary Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll explores the extraordinary journey of Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter – composer of “The Midnight Special,” “John Henry,” and “Goodnight, Irene” – whose music has influenced everyone from Woody Guthrie to Kurt Cobain. Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll is an engaging and immersive documentary that presents a comprehensive exploration of the life and legacy of the iconic blues singer. Through in-depth interviews with such influential musicians as B B King, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Odetta, and Harry Belafonte, the film provides a unique inside account of Lead Belly's extraordinary life and career. The documentary showcases a compelling mixture of rare video footage and live performance, offering viewers an intimate experience of Lead Belly's captivating presence and exceptional musical talent. From his remarkable ability to sing his way out of two prison sentences to his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Lead Belly's story is one of perseverance, resilience, and artistic brilliance. With its rich tapestry of cultural history and profound insights into Lead Belly as both an artist and a historical figure, Curt Hahn’s documentary sheds light on the extraordinary man behind the legend and highlights his enduring influence on the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll music.

In 1988, Lead Belly was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2023 he was among the inaugural class of inductees into the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame.

Q&A

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Alvin Singh II, Director of the Lead Belly Foundation, and Lead Belly’s great-nephew. He will be talking with Anna Canoni, Vice-President of Woody Guthrie Publications. Anna is the daughter of Nora Guthrie, and granddaughter of Woody and Marjory Guthrie.

• Alvin Singh II
• Anna Canoni

Doors open: 3:30pm
Show time: 5pm

Advanced Tickets from City Winery:

• $25
• $35 with after show Meet & Greet