Woody Guthrie 1912 – 1967

Biography

Woody Guthrie was born on July 14, 1912, in Okemah, Oklahoma, beginning a life that would profoundly shape American music and culture. As a singer-songwriter, he dedicated himself to giving voice to the experiences of ordinary people, creating songs that resonated with authenticity and compassion. His work became a powerful testament to the struggles and hopes of everyday Americans during a transformative era in the nation’s history.

Throughout his life, Guthrie poured his talent and conviction into his craft, leaving behind a legacy of music that would influence generations of artists to come. His songs captured the spirit of his times while speaking to universal themes of dignity, perseverance, and human connection. Though his career was marked by both artistic achievement and personal challenge, his commitment to his art never wavered.

Guthrie passed away on October 3, 1967, in New York City, succumbing to Huntington’s disease after years of living with its progressive effects. His final resting place is Highland Cemetery in his hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma, a fitting return to the place where his remarkable journey began. Woody Guthrie’s enduring influence stands as a reminder of music’s power to inspire, comfort, and unite people across all walks of life.