Lead Belly's Grave

Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter is buried in the cemetery behind Shiloh Baptist Church, near the community where he was born on the Jeter Plantation outside Mooringsport. He died in New York on 6 December 1949, just months before his song "Goodnight, Irene" became a massive hit for the Weavers.

The dark granite headstone is engraved with Lead Belly's signature 12-string guitar. An annual Graveside Jam is held here, drawing musicians and fans to play and pay tribute at the site.

Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery is on Blanchard-Latex Road, about eight miles from Mooringsport. Take the Greenwood Exit from I-20 and drive north on Highway 169 for about ten miles, then turn left onto Blanchard-Latex Road. The church and cemetery are on the left after two miles. The site is free to visit and open during daylight hours.