Prophet Singer: The Voice And Vision of Woody Guthrie (American Made Music Series)

This intelligent and thoroughly researched volume examines the cultural and political significance of the words and music of Woodrow Wilson 'Woody' Guthrie - one of the best-loved folk singers of all time. "Prophet Singer" traces how Guthrie documented the history of America's poor and disadvantaged through his lyrics, as well as looking at how he manipulated these lyrics to explore pressing issues and bring greater political and economic awareness to the common people. Using interviews, recordings, drawings and writings from Guthrie himself, this volume presents a unique viewpoint on the creative impulse behind the ideals expressed in his music and lyrics - which are known and loved by millions.

Prophet Singer: The Voice and Vision of Woody Guthrie examines the cultural and political significance of lyrics by beloved songwriter and activist Woodrow Wilson Woody Guthrie. The text traces how Guthrie documented the history of America's poor and disadvantaged through lyrics about topics as diverse as the Dust Bowl and the poll tax. Divided into chapters covering specific historical topics such as race relations and lynchings, famous outlaws, the Great Depression, and unions, the book takes an in-depth look at how Guthrie manipulated his lyrics to explore pressing issues and to bring greater political and economic awareness to the common people.

Incorporating the best of both historical and literary perspectives, Mark Allan Jackson references primary sources including interviews, recordings, drawings, and writings. He includes a variety of materials from the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the Woody Guthrie Archives. Many of these have never before been widely available. The result provides new insights into one of America's most intriguing icons. Prophet Singer offers an analysis of the creative impulse behind and ideals expressed in Guthrie's song lyrics.

Details from the artist's personal life as well as his interactions with political and artistic movements from the first half of the twentieth century afford readers the opportunity to understand how Guthrie's deepest beliefs influenced and found voice in the lyrics that are now known and loved by millions.

Mark Allan Jackson is currently an assistant professor of English at DePauw University. His articles and reviews have been featured in Popular Music and Society and American Music.

Prophet Singer: The Voice and Vision of Woody Guthrie examines the cultural and political significance of lyrics by beloved songwriter and activist Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie. The text traces how Guthrie documented the history of America's poor and disadvantaged through lyrics about topics as diverse as the Dust Bowl and the poll tax. Divided into chapters covering specific historical topics such as race relations and lynchings, famous outlaws, the Great Depression, and unions, the book takes an in-depth look at how Guthrie manipulated his lyrics to explore pressing issues and to bring greater political and economic awareness to the common people. Incorporating the best of both historical and literary perspectives, Mark Allan Jackson references primary sources including interviews, recordings, drawings, and writings. He includes a variety of materials from the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the Woody Guthrie Archives. Many of these have never before been widely available. The result provides new insights into one of America's most intriguing icons. Prophet Singer offers an analysis of the creative impulse behind and ideals expressed in Guthrie's song lyrics. Details from the artist's personal life as well as his interactions with political and artistic movements from the first half of the twentieth century afford readers the opportunity to understand how Guthrie's deepest beliefs influenced and found voice in the lyrics that are now known and loved by millions. Mark Allan Jackson is currently an assistant professor of English at DePauw University. His articles and reviews have been featured in Popular Music and Society and American Music . Prophet The Voice and Vision of Woody Guthrie examines the cultural and political significance of lyrics by beloved songwriter and activist Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie. The text traces how Guthrie documented the history of Americas poor and disadvantaged through lyrics about topics as diverse as the Dust Bowl and the poll tax. Divided into chapters covering specific historical topics such as race relations and lynchings, famous outlaws, the Great Depression, unions, the book takes an in-depth look at how Guthrie manipulated his lyrics to explore pressing issues and to bring greater political and economic awareness to the common people. Incorporating the best of both historical and literary perspectives, Mark Allan Jackson references primary sources including interviews, records, drawings, and writings. He includes a variety of materials from the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the Woody Guthrie Archives. Many of these have never before been widely available. The result provides new insights on one of Americas most intriguing icons. Prophet Singer offers an analysis of the creative impulse behind and ideals expressed in Guthries song lyrics. Details from the artists personal life as well as his interactions with political and artistic movements from the first half of the twentieth century afford readers the opportunity to understand how Guthries deepest beliefs influenced and found voice in the lyrics that are now known and loved by millions. Is This Song Your Song Anymore? : Revisioning This Land Is Your Land -- Busted, Disgusted, Down And Out : Documenting The Stories Of America's Agricultural Workers -- The Poor, Hard-working Man Blues ; Documenting The Troubles Of Other American Workers -- Skin Trouble : Documenting Race And Redemption -- Stepping Outside The Law : Class Consciousness In Guthrie's Outlaw Songs -- The Union Feeling : Tracing A Vision Of A Better World. Mark Allan Jackson. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 259-291) And Index. Examines the cultural and political significance of the words and music of Woodrow Wilson 'Woody' Guthrie - one of the best-loved folk singers of all time. This book traces how Guthrie documented the history of America's poor and disadvantaged through his lyrics, as well as how he manipulated these lyrics to explore pressing issues.