Hula Love (2:19)

“Hula Love,” probably under a different title, was sung in the ’30s by 12-string guitar wizard and unforgettable singer LEADBELLY (real name, Huddie Ledbetter). Leadbelly was twicer found gulty of lst degree murder. In each case he sang his way out of prison with very affecting performances before a Texas governor and later a Louisiana Governor. As to where Ledbetter got what we now call “Hula Love,” there can be no answwer. Huddie was a virtual vacuum cleaner of folk songs, pop songs, field hollers, and all sorts of other Black and even white music. He’d take several of the musical impressions in his head and mix them up into a song. Hewas great, but I actually think Buddy Knox’s version is better. If you have any comments on this please e-mail andy.boehm@verizon.net, thanks.