Kurt Cobain is one of the most legendary figures to come out of the 1990s alternative rock movement known as grunge. He was the iconic frontman of Nirvana, and we lost him far too soon. He was an immense talent, with a voice that is instantly recognizable and a talent for songwriting that can’t really be matched. And surprisingly enough, Kurt Cobain was influenced not just by the rock icons who came before him, but also by blues and folk artists like Lead Belly.
Videos by American Songwriter
Kurt Cobain famously covered Lead Belly’s version of “In The Pines”, a traditional American folk song. He famously performed a screeching version of the classic tune during his MTV Unplugged set in the early 90s, titled “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?”
Kurt Cobain said on occasion that he was influenced by the likes of The Beatles and Sex Pistols, as well as contemporary alt-rock icons Pixies. However, he also found inspiration in blues music, particularly from blues-folk artist Lead Belly.
Kurt Cobain’s Love of Lead Belly Inspired His Work in Alternative Rock
Lead Belly was a folk-blues guitarist who came to fame in the early 20th century. He was known for his talents on the 12-string, as well as his commanding vocals. He often performed traditional songs, as well as blues and folk originals.
Like Cobain, Lead Belly had a difficult life. He left home as a teen to pursue his career and was in and out of jail often. He actually got discovered in prison, too. Lead Belly travelled with The Lomaxes throughout the 1930s and 1940s, performing folk songs across the nation. Some of his best recordings were completed in Louisiana State Prison.
Cobain first discovered Lead Belly when he was young. However, the accounts of his first venture into blues and folk are up to hearsay. Some believe he first read about the musician via an interview with author William S. Burroughs. Others believe he was gifted a Lead Belly vinyl by a friend. Either way, Cobain connected with the material. In the late 1980s, he formed The Jury with a few members from Screaming Trees, and they recorded several Lead Belly songs.
Cobain would go on to cover “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” on MTV Unplugged in 1994. His love for the tortured musical figure was obvious, and it’s a shame that he also dealt with the tortured artist’s life in a similar fashion.
Photo by Raffaella Cavalieri/Redferns
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.