Woody Guthrie
Woodrow Wilson Guthrie, known as Woody Guthrie, was born on July 14, 1912, in Okemah, Oklahoma, and died on October 3, 1967, in New York City. He is recognized as one of the most significant figures in American folk music, with his work focusing on themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. Guthrie's influence is evident in his songs like "This Land Is Your Land" and "Tear the Fascists Down," which have inspired generations both politically and musically.
Guthrie wrote hundreds of songs across various genres, including country, folk, and children's music. His album "Dust Bowl Ballads," which captures the Dust Bowl period, was listed in Mojo's 100 Records That Changed the World. Many of his recordings are preserved in the Library of Congress. Notable songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Pete Seeger have cited Guthrie as an influence.
Born to middle-class parents, Guthrie left Okemah in 1929 after his mother was institutionalized due to Huntington's disease, the same illness that would later claim his life. He moved to Pampa, Texas, and later to California during the Dust Bowl migration. In California, he gained fame at Los Angeles radio station KFVD and wrote for the communist newspaper People's World.
Guthrie's political leanings were associated with communist groups, although he was not a formal member. During World War II, he served in the United States Merchant Marine and the Army, earning several medals. Known for performing with a guitar labeled "This machine kills fascists," Guthrie's legacy continues to resonate in the music and political landscape. He was married three times and had eight children, including the musician Arlo Guthrie.
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