Behind the Bastards Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
Dec 26, 2024
Explore Woody Guthrie's profound influence on folk music as a force for social change. Delve into his life during the Great Depression, revealing personal struggles and his evolution as an artist. Discover the intersection of his music with themes of rebellion and justice, especially in the context of contemporary punk culture. The narrative also touches on Guthrie's evolution through WWII and the lasting legacy of iconic songs like 'This Land is Your Land,' originally critiquing American ideals. It's a fascinating blend of history, music, and personal storytelling.
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Dust Bowl Blues
- Woody Guthrie partnered with Maxine "Lefty Lou" Chrisman and began playing original songs.
- His talking Dust Bowl blues resonated with people struggling during the Depression.
Pretty Boy Floyd Ballad
- In 1939, Woody Guthrie wrote "The Ballad of Pretty Boy Floyd," about an Oklahoma outlaw.
- The song romanticized Floyd as a Robin Hood figure, helping poor farmers.
Folk Music Transformation
- Woody Guthrie fundamentally changed folk music in the US.
- He brought an authorial, individual voice to a genre traditionally anonymous and collective.