Amongst the Alan Lomax recordings of interviews with former slaves you can find recordings like this. Huddie Leadbetter aka Leadbelly. Huddie was not a former slave but is known for having been pardoned for murder not just once but twice. In 1918, under the name of Walter Boyd, Ledbetter was convicted of murder and sentenced to thirty years in the Texas penitentiary. Pardoned by Governor Pat Neff after he wrote and sang "Irene" for the Governors child, Irene, at her birthday party. The second time it's claimed that his music played no part and he was released for good "behavior". Not sure how that works. Here he playing and singing "Irene" for his wife. https://youtube.com/shorts/m0u_BM-wroo