The Legacy of Woody Guthrie

Sound and Recording
B. Thomas Cooper
Editor

Editors Note:
This is the second of a series of articles about Bluegrass and American folk music I prepared for Helium.com I hope you find it interesting.


The legacy of Woody Guthrie is indeed a measure of the man himself. During his brief but extraordinary life, Guthrie changed America. Guthrie was more than just another American folk singer. He lived the American dream and lived it to the fullest.

Born Woodrow Wilson Guthrie on July 14th, 1912, this gifted young musician was profoundly effected by the Great Depression' and the Dust Bowl both which he experienced first hand. His vast body of work encompasses literally hundreds of songs, including children's songs, traditional folk, patriotic songs and songs for traveling the trains, which Guthrie often did. Woody even once referred to himself as "The Great Historical Bum". His guitar, his instrument of choice, often displayed the words: "This Machine Kills Fascists."

Woody's interest in music began as a child. His father, a cowboy himself, taught young Woody Irish and traditional western folk songs. His mother, also a musician, was equally influential. Today, Woody Guthrie is probably best known for his inspirational anthem, This Land Is Your Land', but his list of achievements goes on and on. Jobs included stints as a painter, radio show host, fruit picker and even sailor, but folk music was always at the heart of his endeavors.

On October 3rd, 1967 Woody Guthrie succumbed to the ravages of Huntington's disease. He was 55 years old.

Woody Guthrie didn't just sing about America. He savored the broth of this great country as few others have. He demonstrated a love and loyalty to his country in an unforgettable manner, openly sharing his passion. Woody Guthrie is more than just another American folk music Icon. He is a true American hero.