#legendsoftheblues

"LET THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL SHINE HER LIGHT ON ME."

PIC INFO: Spotlight on an illustrated portrait of Lead Belly, a.k.a. Huddie Ledbetter (January 1888-December 6, 1949), artwork by William Stout for his "Legends of the Blues" portraits series, c. 2013.

Instruments: accordion, fiddle, 12-string guitar, mandolin, piano, violin, vocals.

Ledbetter, who served several stints in prison, once received a pardon after writing a song appealing to the governor.

Recommended tracks: “Black Betty,” “Gallis Pole,” “Boll Weevil,” “New Orleans (Rising Sun Blues),” “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?,” “The Bourgeois Blues.”

THE BIGGEST BLUES-SINGIN' MAMA YOU'VE EVER SEEN -- NO ONE BIGGER.

PIC INFO: Spotlight on illustrated portrait of Willie Mae Thornton (1926 – 1984), better known as Big Mama Thornton, American singer-songwriter of blues and rhythm & blues (pre-rock 'n' roll), from William Stout's "Legends of the Blues" portraits series, c. 2013.

Main instrument: Vocals, harmonica, drums

Born: Ariton, Alabama; December 11, 1926

Died: Los Angeles, California; July 25, 1984

Recommended cuts: "Hound Dog," "Ball 'n' Chain," "Chauffeur Blues," "Mercy," "My Heavy Load."

Interesting covers: "Hound Dog" (ELVIS PRESLEY), "Ball 'n' Chain" (BIG BROTHER & THE HOLDING COMPANY), "Chauffeur Blues" (JEFFERSON AIRPLANE).