Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter was one of the south’s notable blues guitarists and composers. Born in Mooringsport, Louisiana, Ledbetter spent his formative years in Shreveport where he had run-ins with the law but continued to play, sing, and compose. He was a major influence for blues, folk and country music. Lead Belly died in 1949 and is buried at Shiloh Cemetery near Cross Lake. In 1993 a bronze statue by Jessie Pitts, Jr. was commissioned. The installation was made possible through the City of Shreveport’s Community Cultural Plan, The City and the Arts: Making Connections with assistance from the National Endowment for the Arts, local programs, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture Recreation & Tourism, DDA, and the City of Shreveport. Today Huddie proudly points the way at Texas and Marshall Streets in front of the downtown library.
About the Sculpture: “The primary intent of the bronze statue of Lead Belly is to serve as a reminder of the tremendous contributions to music by one of Shreveport’s citizens who happens to be black. This sculpture announces the presence and credibility of local black artists in a manner that encourages pride beyond the efforts of Black History month and the Juneteenth Black Heritage Festival. It serves as a year-round visual reminder of the contributions of black artists and is healthy for the total community, inclusive of all races.” (Jessie Pitts, Jr.)
