The Legacy of American Folk Musicians

Sound and Recording
B. Thomas Cooper
Editor

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

We are fortunate that as of this article, many of the great American Folk singers are still alive and productive, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Pete Seeger.

Seeger, born May 3rd, 1919 was a friend and contemporary of Woody Guthrie's and represents one of the last living connections to a bygone era. Seeger is best known for co-writing the classic folk songs Where Have All The Flowers Gone' and If I had A Hammer'. His contributions to American folk music are priceless.



Bob Dylan Is a living legend. His songs have been performed by some of the greatest musicians in modern history. Songs include Blowin' in the Wind', A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall' and Knockin' On Heaven's Door.

Also among the living, Joan Baez continues to perform, and is currently touring in support of her vast body of work. Baez possesses an amazing voice, and an uncanny style. She is probably known best for her classic song, Diamonds and Rust'.

Unfortunately, other extraordinary folk artists like Phil Ochs and the legendary Woody Guthrie have been gone for far to long. It is up to us, the living, to preserve their legacies for future generations. American folk music in an art form unique to America, and it's pioneers, true American heroes.

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.