Woody Guthrie

Born: 1912-07-14

Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter and composer who was one of the most significant figures in American folk music. His work focused on themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. He inspired several generations both politically and musically with songs such as "This Land Is Your Land". Guthrie wrote hundreds of country, folk, and children's songs, along with ballads and improvised works. Dust Bowl Ballads, Guthrie's album of songs about the Dust Bowl period, was included on Mojo magazine's list of 100 Records That Changed The World, and many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Songwriters who have acknowledged Guthrie as a major influence on their work include Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Hunter, Harry Chapin, John Mellencamp, Pete Seeger, Andy Irvine, Joe Strummer, Billy Bragg, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Jeff Tweedy, Tom Paxton, Brian Fallon, Sean Bonnette, and Sixto Rodríguez. He frequently performed with the message "This machine kills fascists" displayed on his guitar.


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Greenwich Village: Music That Defined a Generation

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2013-01-18

Explores the music scene in Greenwich Village, New York in the '60s and early '70s. The film...

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Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry: Red River Blues 1948-1974

as Self
Released: 2003-07-08

For some 30 years, they embodied "country blues" for folk music audiences around the globe....

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Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 1975-08-06

Period music, film clips and newsreel footage combined into a visual exploration of the American...

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Billy Bragg & Wilco: Man in the Sand

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2005-10-28

"Man in the Sand" is a 1999 music documentary that chronicles the collaboration between Billy...

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Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2006-07-12

Every American who has listened to the radio knows Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." The music...

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Woody Guthrie: Hard Travelin'

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 1984-01-01

A warmhearted memorial to the folk singer whose songs galvanized organizers and guitar-pickers...

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To Hear Your Banjo Play

as Self
Released: 1947-01-01

A short film about Pete Seeger and the birth of banjo music throughout the Southern United States.

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Down the Tracks: The Music That Influenced Bob Dylan

as uncredited
Released: 2008-07-15

This fascinating program tells the story of the music and artists that have influenced Bob Dylan...

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This Land Is Your Land: The Animated Kids' Songs of Woody Guthrie

as uncredited
Released: 1997-01-01

Songs that live in the American heart can now be enjoyed by a new generation in "This Land Is...

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All You Need Is Love: The Story of Popular Music

as Self (archive footage)
First aired: 1977-02-12

A 17-part television documentary series on the history of modern pop music covering some of the...

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