Leadbelly in Deep Ellum
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Dallas neighborhood known as Deep Ellum is one of the most significant in the history of the development of Texas music. Surrounding the intersection of Elm Street and Central Avenue in downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum was one of the largest and most dynamic urban African American communities in the United States during the early twentieth century. (The term “Deep Ellum” probably derives from the local pronunciation of “Elm” as “Ellum” and the fact that the area was on the “deep” or far end of Elm street.) As large numbers of African Americans moved into the city to search for jobs, many found work with the nearby railroads, which enabled shops, restaurants and other businesses to establish in the area. Deep Ellum became well-known during the 1920s and 1930s for its nightclubs and dance halls, and many notable musicians lived and performed in the community, playing in churches, on street corners and in bars. Musician Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter (ca. 1888-1949) was born in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. Leadbelly moved to Dallas ca. 1910 and it was here that he heard his first jazz band and where he discovered the 12-string guitar—the instrument that eventually became his favorite. Leadbelly met another musician, Blind Lemon Jefferson, in Dallas ca. 1912, and the two became musical partners, performing on street corners, in clubs, and on the interurban railroad that served the Dallas area. Leadbelly, Jefferson and their Deep Ellum colleagues influenced later generations and had a major impact on the development of American blues, country, jazz and rock music. (2009)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the early twentieth century, Deep Ellum — the neighborhood around Elm Street and Central Avenue in downtown Dallas — was one of the largest and most vibrant Black urban communities in the country, its clubs, dance halls, and street corners alive with music. It was here that Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter, who arrived around 1910, first heard a jazz band and discovered the 12-string guitar, and where he met his musical partner Blind Lemon Jefferson. Together with their Deep Ellum peers, they helped shape American blues, jazz, country, and rock for generations to come.
Why it matters
Deep Ellum was a seedbed of American popular music, where Black musicians during the Great Migration forged sounds that would echo through the entire twentieth century.
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Related people
- · Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter
- · Blind Lemon Jefferson
Themes & tags
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