Though his musical career was cut short twice by his criminal energy, Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter left a strong influence on todays music. Being convicted for homicide twice he literally sang his way out of prison both times. He was discovered by music collector John Lomax who was on a fieldrecording trip through the prisons of the south. Lomax immediately recognised the enourmous value of both the man and his repertoire and a year after his trip pardon was granted. Originally he performed along with the famous Lemon Jefferson but was convicted before getting a recording opportunity. Thus he was able to keep up his huge repertoire, rather to streamline it down to the nescessities of the music market. Lomax took him up to New York were Ledbetter soon became a political activist for mainly left issues.But he was also the darling of the educated high society clubs who turned out nightly to listen to his singing.Though he was of hot temper with a long criminal record his favourite concerts were for children. His heritage include songs like "Good Night Irene" that became a hit for many country bands, "Black Betty" a favourite at metal discos and the mother of all Hip Hop "The Lining Track"