Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Acclaimed South African a capella group achieved fame when they backed up Paul Simon on his fabulous Graceland CD. A turning point in world-folk music here in the U.S.

Larkin, Patty
Originally known for being the best guitarist on the folk scene, she has become one of the finest songwriters too. An inspired singer and performer as well. One of the best.

Christine Lavin
Folk's greatest Diva. A comic genius with a heart of gold. Every concert is an event - less like a concert than a weekend at a health spa... As you'd expect, her site is endlessly diverting.

Lawrence, Eddy
Lawrence pens quirky southern gothic tales unlike anyone else's. He's reclusive, but the songs and recordings are excellent. Site has sounds, bio.

Ledbetter, Huddy
, (Leadbelly) Author of "Irene Goodnight," "Bourgeois Blues" and other classics, Leadbelly was on the forefront of the modern folk, blues and singer-songwriter revival of the '40s and '50s.

Lehrer, Tom
Part Tin Pan Alley, part political folkie, Lehrer's genius for the topical song has never been matched since his heyday in the 60s.

Lewis, Laurie
Popularizing bluegrass, in the tradition of Allison Krauss.

Lightfoot, Gordon
Canadian singersongwriter known for traditional-sounding ballads with remarkable lyrics and melodies. Hits include "If You Could Read My Mind," "In the Early Morning Rain" and "The Edmund Fitzgerald."

Lightfoot, Gordon
An interesting fansite. Though no longer being maintained, it was a pioneering artist website.

Lovett, Lyle
From his beginnings as a quirky songwriter to his big band sound and recent double album of new country covers, Lovett is a true artist, an explorer. Matchless storyteller.