How Leslie Riddle Changed Country

A Black man named Lesley Riddle is largely responsible for it. Riddle worked in a cement plant and due to an accident, lost a leg. During this time, he taught himself how to play guitar, developing a pick and slide technique.  

In 1928 he met A.P. Carter. Their disabilities bonded them; Carter’s tremors and Riddle’s missing leg. They became friends, traveling the country, gathering and writing new songs. Riddle would produce and play on many Carter Family records, giving them their unique sound. But nobody gave him credit.

From 1945-1965 Riddle retired from music until singer and folklorist Mike Seeger tracked him down after hearing Maybelle Carter discuss what she learned from him. Riddle and Seeger worked together for around 13 years until Riddle died. The work they did together helped to solidify Lesley’s legacy.