Woody+Guthrie

Overview
Woodrow Wilson Guthrie was a genuine American folk singer. Woody Guthrie was a musical symbol in America during a time of economic depression and war. Woody grew up in Okemah, Oklahoma in the heart of America. Even as a child Woody was noted for his perceptiveness. His first attempts as a musician were with the Corn Cob Trio. The economic times made his career near impossible though. As he looked for work across the west he wrote songs. Ultimately it was these experiences that helped him best exemplify the American people in his songs.

Critical Issue
TIME Magazine referred to Woody Guthrie’s music as, “hobo’s plainsong.” One of his most famous works depicted the historical Lewis and Clark expedition. He sang of Manifest Destiny with lyrics that proclaimed, “Tom Jefferson’s vision would not let him rest. An empire he saw in the Pacific Northwest. Sent Lewis and Clark and they did the rest. So roll on, Columbia, roll on.” Woody Guthrie sang for the people of America. Other works of his included: //Hard Travelin’, I Hear You Sing Again,// and //Oklahoma Hills//. He saw America’s natural elements and her industrial revolution; each, ultimately, had an affect on Guthrie’s audience. The simple characteristics of life enticed Guthrie. His songs resounded throughout homes with thoughts of food, work, and clothing.

Conclusion/Historical Significance
"We was playin’ for the Lumber Workers’ Union. We was singin’ around in the shingle mills. There was a lady out West out there in the lumber camp and her name was Annie and so every time they’d have a songfest Annie would outshout all of them. So people got to call her Hootin’ Annie but the name got spread all over and so out there when they are going to have a shindig they call it Hootenanny,” said Woody Guthrie. This quote explains the type of musician Woody Guthrie was. He sang with the people about issues they dealt with daily. He sang of political and social uprisings. Woody Guthrie took on the voice of a nation. He did his best to soothe and provoke thought. Because of this Mr. Guthrie is seen forever more as an American.

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