First published 1992
Woody Guthrie travels the dusty roads of Depression-era America with his guitar and a head full of songs. He moves between migrant camps and union halls, watching workers fight for decent wages and basic dignity. The folk singer becomes deeply involved in the labor movement, using his music to rally striking workers and give voice to their struggles. Through the 1930s and into the 1950s, Guthrie witnesses the political battles that shape working-class America. He performs at rallies, writes songs that become anthems, and builds relationships with activists who share his vision of social justice. The musician must balance his artistic calling with his political convictions, finding ways to make his music serve the cause of ordinary people fighting powerful interests. His journey reveals how art and activism intersect during one of America's most turbulent periods, as Guthrie discovers that his greatest weapon against injustice is the power of song to unite and inspire those who have been forgotten.
Genres: biography, historical-fiction, 20th-century, american, labor, music, activism, americana
Vibes: emotional, intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: activism, artist-as-activist, found-family, social-justice
Setting: America
Period: 1930s, 1950s
288 pages · Paperback · Harper Perennial