Woody Guthrie

The Profile

Woodrow Wilson 'Woody' Guthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter and folk musician, noted for his Dust Bowl Ballads and the song 'This Land Is Your Land'.

Guthrie wrote songs about working-class life and the Dust Bowl era; his work influenced later folk and protest musicians. Bruce Springsteen recorded material inspired by Guthrie ('The Ghost of Tom Joad' draws on Guthrie's 'Tom Joad' material).

A reverent DeBaser review praises Woody Guthrie's raw, justice-minded songs and their historical value. The review highlights a 5-CD box set '85 Songs' as essential listening. Guthrie is presented as a formative figure in American folk and protest music.