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.)

 

 

DDA Admin
Author: DDA Admin