Join the Reverend Robert Jones in his musical portrayal of one of America’s greatest performers, Huddie Ledbetter, better known by his stage name, “Lead Belly.” He was born in 1888 in Mooringsport, Louisiana and died in 1949, but in his 60 years on earth, he forever impacted the world of folk music. The self-proclaimed “King of the 12-string Guitar,” Lead Belly was the writer of many classic American songs, including “Goodnight Irene,” “The Rock Island Line,” “Midnight Special,” and “Take this Hammer.”

The Reverend Robert Jones is accomplished at guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo and fiddle and plays all over the U.S., Canada and Europe. The 2018 Kresge Arts Fellow has recorded six albums and is a former host of award-winning shows on public radio. He’s a popular blues guitar instructor on YouTube and has taught courses in music history at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he lives with his wife and frequent collaborator Sister Bernice Jones.

Presented in person and online
Sponsored by Barnes & Thornburg
Interpreted for the deaf and hearing impaired
Media Sponsor: WFYI
Videographer Sponsor: Chatham Tap
Interpreter Sponsors: Jim Obermaier and Sally Perkins