New York City, 1950s: Martha Promise Remembering Lead Belly

Alan Lomax’s relationship with Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter began in 1933 when Alan and his father recorded the great bluesman together. The Lomaxes attended Lead Belly’s 1935 wedding to Martha Promise in Wilton, Connecticut. Alan interviewed Martha in the 1950s, after Lead Belly’s death. The transcription provides a unique perspective on her relationship with the singer.