Lead Belly's neice, Queen Tiny Robinson, to speak in Oil City at Smithsonian celebration of Lead Belly on Sun, Jan 11; to be followed by performance at Lead Belly's grave, Shiloh Church, Mooringsport

Jessie Pitts' bronze of Leadbelly, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Museum, 200 S. Land St. in Oil City, La., is host to the Smithsonian Institute’s exhibit called New Harmonies, Celebrating American Roots Music, says Bruce Flett. It will be on display until January 15th.

A special program is scheduled for Sun, Jan 11, at 2:00 PM: Huddie Ledbetter’s niece, Queen “Tiny” Robinson, will give a presentation entitled, “The Life and Times of Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.” Ms. Robinson founded the Huddie Ledbetter Foundation. Also on hand will be the current Foundation director, Tanya Singh and archivist, Alvin Singh.

At the conclusion of this event, everyone is encouraged to drive to Huddie Ledbetter's gravesite at Shiloh Baptist Church near Mooringsport, (8 miles from Oil City) for musical tribute performed by Buddy Flett, Ted Lindsay, and Danny Wilder. They will sing songs attributed to Lead Belly such as "Goodnight, Irene" and "Midnight Special."

Presented by the Smithsonian Institute: New Harmonies - A Celebration of American Roots Music.