In the pines, in the pines

“Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a haunting folk song that has been covered by many artists, but it was originally recorded by Lead Belly in 1944. The song tells the story of a man who wakes up to find his lover gone and wonders where she has spent the night. Lead Belly’s powerful and emotional rendition of the song has made it a classic of American folk music.

Lead Belly was a highly influential musician who played a key role in the development of folk and blues music in the United States. He was born Huddie William Ledbetter in Louisiana in 1888 and grew up playing music in the African American community there. He later traveled around the country performing and recording music, and his songs were known for their raw emotional power and social commentary.

Lead Belly’s version of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a prime example of his unique style and vocal prowess. His deep, mournful voice conveys the sadness and desperation of the song’s lyrics, and his intricate guitar playing adds depth and complexity to the melody. The song has since been covered by many other artists, including Nirvana, who performed a haunting rendition of it on their 1993 album MTV Unplugged in New York.

Overall, “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the universal themes of love and loss and Lead Belly’s original recording remains a classic of American folk music and a testament to his lasting impact on the genre.