Prophet Singer: The Voice And Vision of Woody Guthrie

by Mark Allan Jackson

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 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, 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 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.

Genres: Music

303 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2006

Reviews

[Amy]

Received this book from my in-laws for Christmas...an autographed copy, as they know the author's father. What they didn't know at the time was that I had been listening to one folk musician in particular (Terri Hendrix) who has covered some Woody Guthrie songs, so my interest has grown recently. Good timing on this gift! Will review when I'm finished, but so far I'm enjoying it.

[Elle Druskin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are interested in Woody Guthrie's music and life, this is a good read. Other books have covered his life in far more detail but that was not the object of this book really. It reads like it might have been a dissertation that was revised for publication. That is not a negative comment, just that it seems that way reading the book.