a bit about Woody

A documented piece about Woody Guthrie and his contribution to American folk music.


Prominent singers discuss the music of Woody Guthrie and his contribution to American folk culture. Irish folk singer Karan Casey sings "Pastures of Plenty", and Emmylou Harris sings "Deportee".

Woody Guthrie was born in Oklahoma in 1912. During the Great Depression and the 'Dust Bowl' of the 1930s he experienced many of the hardships and wrote songs about poverty, hard travel, seeking work, and migration to California.

Many of Woody Guthrie's songs are about the migrations during the 'Dust Bowl' of the 1930s. In "Do Re Mi", Guthrie explains the lack of jobs for immigrants arriving in California.


Billy Bragg explains Woody Guthrie's return after being blacklisted during the McCarthy era. while Ani Difranco sings her version of "('Aint got the) Do-Re-Mi".