This is the fourth volume in the six-volume series of Leadbelly's Library of Congress recordings. The songs were recorded from 1939 to 1943, a period following a move from the South to New York City, where Leadbelly found fame and notoriety. These tracks were recorded during visits that Leadbelly made to Washington, DC, where they were recorded Alan Lomax. It was Lomax, along with his father, John Lomax, who was instrumental in bringing Huddie Ledbetter to the world's attention.
THE TITANIC focuses on blues numbers. It is a dazzling display of both the power and range of Leadbelly's voice and 12-string guitar. It is clear that Leadbelly was at the peak of his powers here, as these songs confidently roll out of him. The recordings are simple and straightforward documents of one of the 20th century's most influential America artists. Leadbelly's sound had a profound influence on the generations of folk and blues artists who came after him.
