Woody Guthrie

Description: (Singer-songwriter)

Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Guthrie was a singer-songwriter counted among the most prominent figures of American folk music. The musician best known for his song, ‘This Land Is Your Land’ had produced numerous folk, traditional, political, and children’s ballads and songs over his career. Even though born into a prosperous household, he had a troubled childhood as his mother suffered from a severe neurological disorder and had to be institutionalized. He also experienced difficult times during the Dust Bowl era, a period characterized by severe dust storms in America during the Great Depression—the pains of which were often reflected in his songs. He traveled with migrant workers and learned their traditional songs during this period. Later on he became a radio performer and achieved considerable fame for his hillbilly and traditional folk music. He became highly critical of the patriotic song, ‘God Bless America’ and decided to improvise on it. Thus was born his most famous creation, ‘This Land Is Your Land’ which went on to become one of U.S.’s most popular folk songs. Woody personified the heart of America as his songs resonated with the sentiments of the American working class. A prolific writer, he also wrote poems and prose in addition to songs, most of which were never published.

Overview

Birthday July 14, 1912 (Cancer)
Born In United States
Alternative names Woodrow Wilson Guthrie
Died on October 3, 1967
Spouse/Ex- Marjorie Guthrie (m. 1945–1953), Mary Guthrie (m. 1933–1943), Anneke van Kirk (m. 1953–1954), Marjorie Guthrie (m. 1945–1953), Mary Guthrie (m. 1933–1943)
Parents Charley Guthrie
Nora Belle Tanner
Children Arlo Guthrie, Bill Guthrie, Cathy Guthrie, Gwen Guthrie, Joady Guthrie, Nora Guthrie, Sue Guthrie
Relatives Clara, Roy

Did you know

What inspired Woody Guthrie to write This Land Is Your Land? Woody Guthrie was inspired to write "This Land Is Your Land" as a response to "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin, which he felt did not accurately capture the diversity and reality of America.
All Filters