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From the Prison Cell to the Top of the Charts
Louisiana bluesman Lead Belly was discovered in a penitentiary in 1934 and went on to become an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and influence many rock stars, from Keith Richards and Jimi Hendrix to Kurt Cobain. The new book Lead Belly: A Life in Pictures, unveils details of his life together with unpublished photographs and letters, much of which was in a basement truck in Brooklyn. Editor John Reynolds joins us to share some of its highlights. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.
Slideshow: View images from Lead Belly: A Life in Pictures
Lead Belly: A Life in Pictures is available for purchase at Steidl's website
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Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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Regarding infamous contract between Lead Belly and Lomax. Is it known if Lomax abused the 'worst contact in showbiz history'? Did Lead Belly or estate ever comment on the contract long after it was signed?
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