 |
In their study of literature from The Great Depression, 8th grade students sang the songs of Woody Guthrie, wrote an original ballad and performed it. They did extensive research on the 'Dustbowl Balladeer' who became a legend. Woody Guthrie is probably the only genuine 'non commercial' musician who ever became well known. At a time when America needed someone to express the spirit of the Great Depression, there he was. His idea about copyright for example was very interesting when he said, 'Anyone who wants to sing my songs is a friend of mine.' This attitude may have made him destitute but he firmly lived up to his own beliefs all his life. This artistic integrity earned the respect of all his peers and he became an icon of the subsequent folk music movement of the late fifties and early sixties from which sprang the phenomenons of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and the like. For all those who search for simplicity and purity in musical expression, Woody Guthrie remains the outstanding role model. His legacy will ring out through the ages. |
|
| |
|
| |