Woody Guthrie: The Poet of the People

Woody Guthrie was an American singer-songwriter who wrote more than 1,000 songs during his lifetime. He is best known for his folk songs about the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and the plight of the working class. His songs have been covered by countless artists, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Johnny Cash. Guthrie was also a prolific writer, and his autobiography, Bound for Glory, is considered a classic of American literature.

Early Life

Woody Guthrie was born on July 14, 1912, in Okemah, Oklahoma. His father was a farmer and his mother was a schoolteacher. Guthrie grew up in poverty, and his family often had to move from place to place in search of work. Guthrie's father taught him to play the guitar at a young age, and he began writing songs as a teenager.

Woody Guthrie: Poet of the People

by Bonnie Christensen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44237 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

The Dust Bowl

In the early 1930s, the Great Depression hit Oklahoma hard. The Dust Bowl, a severe drought that caused massive dust storms, also devastated the state. Guthrie's family lost their farm, and he was forced to leave home in search of work. He traveled all over the country, working at a variety of odd jobs.

Folk Music

Guthrie's experiences during the Depression and the Dust Bowl inspired him to write songs about the plight of the working class. His songs were often political, and he spoke out against the injustices of the day. Guthrie's songs were popular with other migrant workers, and he became known as the "Poet of the People."

The Almanac Singers

In 1940, Guthrie joined the Almanac Singers, a folk music group that also included Pete Seeger and Lee Hays. The Almanac Singers sang Guthrie's songs about the working class, and they also wrote and performed songs about other social issues. The group was a major influence on the development of American folk music.

"This Land Is Your Land"

Guthrie's most famous song, "This Land Is Your Land," was written in 1940. The song is a ballad about the beauty and abundance of the United States. It has become a folk standard, and it is often sung at schools, rallies, and other gatherings.

Military Service

During World War II, Guthrie served in the United States Navy. He was stationed in the Pacific, and he wrote songs about his experiences there. After the war, Guthrie returned to the United States and continued to write and perform folk music.

Later Life

Guthrie suffered from Huntington's disease, a degenerative neurological disorder. He died on October 3, 1967, at the age of 55. Guthrie's music continues to be popular today, and he is considered one of the most important figures in American folk music.

Woody Guthrie was a gifted singer-songwriter who used his music to speak out for the working class. His songs are filled with passion, humor, and hope. Guthrie's music has influenced generations of musicians, and he is considered one of the most important figures in American folk music.

Additional Information

* Guthrie was a prolific writer, and his autobiography, Bound for Glory, is considered a classic of American literature. * Guthrie's songs have been covered by countless artists, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Johnny Cash. * Guthrie was a member of the Almanac Singers, a folk music group that also included Pete Seeger and Lee Hays. * Guthrie's most famous song, "This Land Is Your Land," is a ballad about the beauty and abundance of the United States. * Guthrie suffered from Huntington's disease, a degenerative neurological disorder. He died on October 3, 1967, at the age of 55.

Woody Guthrie: Poet of the People

by Bonnie Christensen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44237 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE