Leadbelly (film) title card stating that Leadbelly was released from prison and pursued his music career. Leadbelly (film) Leadbelly is a 1976 film chronicling the life of folk singer Huddie William Ledbetter (better known as "Lead Belly"). The film was directed by Gordon Parks, and starred Roger E. Mosley in the title role. The film focuses on the troubles of Lead Belly's youth in the segregated South including his time in prison, and his efforts to use his music to gain release. Huddie Ledbetter leaves his father's house just barely into his twenties and arrives at a brothel on Fannin' Street ran
Bobby Smith (rhythm and blues singer) Bobby Smith (rhythm and blues singer) Robert "Bobby" Smith (sometimes spelled Bobbie; April 10, 1936 – March 16, 2013) was an American R&B singer notable as the principal lead singer of the classic Motown/Philly group, The Spinners, (also known as the Detroit Spinners or the Motown Spinners), throughout its history. The group was formed circa 1954 at Ferndale High School in Ferndale, Michigan, just north of the Detroit border. The group had their first record deal when they signed with Tri-Phi Records in early 1961. Smith had been the group's lead singer since its inception, having sung lead vocals on