Woody Guthrie Biography

Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Guthrie was a singer-songwriter counted among the most prominent figures of American folk music. The musician best known for his song, ‘This Land Is Your Land’ had produced numerous folk, traditional, political, and children’s ballads and songs over his career. Even though born into a prosperous household, he had a troubled childhood as his mother suffered from a severe neurological disorder and had to be institutionalized. He also experienced difficult times during the Dust Bowl era, a period characterized by severe dust storms in America during the Great Depression—the pains of which were often reflected in his songs. He traveled with migrant workers and learned their traditional songs during this period. Later on he became a radio performer and achieved considerable fame for his hillbilly and traditional folk music. He became highly critical of the patriotic song, ‘God Bless America’ and decided to improvise on it. Thus was born his most famous creation, ‘This Land Is Your Land’ which went on to become one of U.S.’s most popular folk songs. Woody personified the heart of America as his songs resonated with the sentiments of the American working class. A prolific writer, he also wrote poems and prose in addition to songs, most of which were never published.