I Am Northwest Arkansas® From Angola to Fame - How Lead Belly Sung His Way to Musical Greatness
About the Show:
“Lead Belly was an instrumentalist, a storyteller, and a fighter. He was someone who gave us stories about what was going on in America at the time.”
- Alvin Singh
Alvin Singh discovered his deep family connection to the legendary musician Lead Belly through a surprising twist of fate. Growing up, he had no idea about his great uncle's influential role in shaping the music world. It wasn't until later in life that Alvin unearthed this remarkable family history, which opened up a whole new world of understanding and appreciation for Lead Belly's musical legacy. This discovery not only brought a sense of pride but also sparked a passion for preserving and sharing the story of Lead Belly with a wider audience. Alvin's journey of uncovering his familial ties to such a prominent figure in music is both intriguing and deeply personal, offering a unique perspective on the impact of Lead Belly's music and the importance of cultural preservation.
What you will learn in this episode:
- How Lead Belly's musical genius transcended through generations, inspiring artists of varying genres from Johnny Cash to Kurt Cobain.
- The way his unique charisma and talent for song enabled him to sing his way out of prison, twice marking an extraordinary anecdote in his life.
- Despite adversity faced as a black musician in the early 20th century, he became a renowned figure in the industry, leaving behind a rich heritage of soul-stirring tunes.
- Visit the website http://houseofleadbelly.com/ to learn more about Lead Belly and his legacy.
- Check out Lead Belly’s documentary (Coming Soon!): The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll for a deeper dive into his life and music.
- Reach out to Alvin Singh to collaborate on a Lead Belly tribute concert or event in your area.
All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
Lead Belly Official on Facebook
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large.
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!
Apple Seeds An Evening at the Farm, Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm-to-table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"