Woody Guthrie

Woody Guthrie was one of the most respected and prolific Folk musicians of the 20th century and provided an inspiration to a new generation of politically minded Folk singers and songwriters including Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, as well as his son, folk singer Arlo Guthrie.

Guthrie was born in Oklahoma during the height of The Great Depression. With his mother Nora confined to a mental institution and his father working to pay off bad debts, Guthrie was forced to busk in order to make a living. After moving to Los Angeles and gaining notoriety as a radio Folk performer, Guthrie's music began to get more political and left-leaning.

Guthrie's legacy and music influenced a generation of up and coming Folk singers and songwriters, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen and Steve Earle.