During World War II, Woody Guthrie performed for men and women in the U.S. armed forces.
This year, people across the United States and around the world are celebrating what would have been Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday. Woody Guthrie was born Woodrow Wilson Guthrie on July 14, 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma. His parents named him for Woodrow Wilson, the governor of New Jersey who was elected President of the United States later that year. Woody Guthrie went on to be a legendary American folk singer, songwriter, and musician. He wrote more than one thousand songs and has influenced many well-known modern songwriters, including Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
The message of Guthrie’s music has long attracted listeners. “This Land Is Your Land,” which Guthrie wrote in 1940, is one of America’s best-known songs. In it, Guthrie expresses his love for his country and his admiration for everyday working people. Other Guthrie songs describe the experiences of Americans during the Great Depression. During those difficult years in the 1930s, millions of Americans struggled to find work. Thousands of farmers had to leave Oklahoma after dust storms destroyed their farms. Many of these songs came from Guthrie’s experiences traveling with migrant workers who were looking for jobs. Guthrie also wrote protest songs about the politics of his time. The words to his songs, however, often included a feeling of hope for the future.
In July, the month of Guthrie’s birth, fans attended festivals that paid tribute to Guthrie in New York City, Rhode Island, and Germany, as well as in Guthrie’s hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma. More concerts and events are taking place across the country this year to honor Guthrie’s centennial and his contributions to American culture. During these celebrations, people are performing Guthrie’s music as well as music influenced by him. Some events will feature speeches and discussions about Guthrie’s life and lasting influence.
Image credit: ©Eric Schaal/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Related Links
- Biography of Woody Guthrie
Learn more about the life of Woody Guthrie. - The Official Woody Guthrie Website
Read about Woody Guthrie’s life and work. - Woody Guthrie Centennial Celebration
Find out about the events happening this year to celebrate Woody Guthrie’s centennial.
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