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Ramblin' Man: The Life and Times of Woody Guthrie
Winner of the Oklahoma Book Award and the Deems Taylor ASCAP Award for Best Folk, Pop, or Jazz Biography
"A beautiful job…In exploring the nuances of Guthrie's work, Cray's exacting style is pitch-perfect." ― Los Angeles Times Book Review A patriot and a political radical, Woody Guthrie captured the spirit of his times in his enduring songs. He was marked by the FBI as a subversive. He lived in fear of the fatal fires that stalked his family and of the mental illness that snared his mother. At forty-two, he was cruelly silenced by Huntington’s disease. Ed Cray, the first biographer to be granted access to the Woody Guthrie Archive, has created a haunting portrait of an American who profoundly influenced Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and American popular music itself. 8 pages of illustrations
"A beautiful job…In exploring the nuances of Guthrie's work, Cray's exacting style is pitch-perfect." ― Los Angeles Times Book Review A patriot and a political radical, Woody Guthrie captured the spirit of his times in his enduring songs. He was marked by the FBI as a subversive. He lived in fear of the fatal fires that stalked his family and of the mental illness that snared his mother. At forty-two, he was cruelly silenced by Huntington’s disease. Ed Cray, the first biographer to be granted access to the Woody Guthrie Archive, has created a haunting portrait of an American who profoundly influenced Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and American popular music itself. 8 pages of illustrations
512 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2004
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417 people want to read
About the author
Ed Cray
40 books7 followersCray was a longtime freelance writer who has been published in many of the country's leading newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Cray is the author of 18 published books, including General of the Army, a biography of George C. Marshall; Chief Justice, a biography of Earl Warren; and most recently Ramblin' Man: The Life and Times of Woody Guthrie. He has organized an international Consortium for the Study of Biography.
Cray joined the School of Journalism faculty at the University of Southern California as an adjunct instructor in 1976 and is now a tenured professor.
Cray joined the School of Journalism faculty at the University of Southern California as an adjunct instructor in 1976 and is now a tenured professor.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 8, 2021
Very interesting bio of Woody Guthrie. For someone I’ve been aware of my entire life (he was my father’s favorite musician), it turns out I knew virtually nothing about his real life. For one, it somehow never occurred to me that he had ever been an obscure, struggling musician. Or that, despite moments of fame in select audiences (LA radio; the radical labor music), he wasn’t widely acknowledged until he was too sick to write or perform any more.
He was a true rambling man, constantly on the move, seemingly unable to commit to anything, whether a home, a woman, a political group. He couldn’t sit still; after less than a year in any home, he would just hit the road, move on (although he often did come back). I never imagined he was such a lothario, moving from woman to woman, even as he married and raised families with two (plus one marriage which was over almost as soon as it began). He was even a rambler politically, where, even though he considered himself a true communist (small c), he could never commit himself to the demands of the Communist Party, which probably saved him from the blacklist in the end.
Yet through it all, he kept writing songs. In fact, writing was the one thing he committed himself too, although extended projects were a challenge (he left a series of unfinished novels in his wake).
Again, a very interesting read. Recommended to anyone interested in the history US folk music.
He was a true rambling man, constantly on the move, seemingly unable to commit to anything, whether a home, a woman, a political group. He couldn’t sit still; after less than a year in any home, he would just hit the road, move on (although he often did come back). I never imagined he was such a lothario, moving from woman to woman, even as he married and raised families with two (plus one marriage which was over almost as soon as it began). He was even a rambler politically, where, even though he considered himself a true communist (small c), he could never commit himself to the demands of the Communist Party, which probably saved him from the blacklist in the end.
Yet through it all, he kept writing songs. In fact, writing was the one thing he committed himself too, although extended projects were a challenge (he left a series of unfinished novels in his wake).
Again, a very interesting read. Recommended to anyone interested in the history US folk music.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
January 20, 2023Attempted Jan. 2023. Maybe if I was already familiar with more of his music I could get into it. But I just don't care for biographies, sorry.
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June 5, 2009Had Shakespeare written a Great American Tragedy, it might have read a lot like the biography of Woody Guthrie. Stalked almost from birth by fire, madness, and disease, Guthrie lived through times of amazing hardship and change in our nation, and chronicled much of those times in song. Cray’s excellently researched biography trails Woody from his modest Oklahoma upbringing, through his years of productivity and (modest) success, and into his steady decline and final days, wracked with Huntington’s disease, a prisoner in his own body. Cray does a fine job of presenting Guthrie in an honest light, showing that the man had many faults. As a result, a full portrait of Guthrie emerges, rich in complexities and contradictions. He was a troubled man, but one whose place in American history cannot be overstated. Perhaps the most influential American songwriter of the 20th Century, without Guthrie there would be no Seeger, no Dylan, no Springsteen. Punk before there ever was such a thing, funny, bawdy, and filled with angry passion, Guthrie was a true original and his sad story can only be described as wholly American. (Andy R., Reader’s Services)
April 11, 2022
It is amusing how many pages it took author to explain all of us that despite declaring himself as one and writing 174 articles in six months in communist newspaper, Woody himself wasn't really communist. The proof is interview with Woody's friend from 1971.
Anyway, it's a great book.
[added after reading whole book:]
above was my impression after reading first chapters, author came back to Woody's relation with Communist Party few more times and I think he made a great job. This book is one of the best written biographies I have ever read.
Anyway, it's a great book.
[added after reading whole book:]
above was my impression after reading first chapters, author came back to Woody's relation with Communist Party few more times and I think he made a great job. This book is one of the best written biographies I have ever read.
May 14, 2019
The man and the myth sanctified.
June 13, 2025
A fascinating life! If you are the least bit interested in folk music, the dust bowl, unions, McCarthyism, complex family sagas, Woody Guthrie, or Americana, read this book. Its not the best prose ever written. At times the sentence structure trips over itself, or the notes confuse the text, but I forgive the author, Ed Cray, for those blemishes. The research is so rich with detail and the life it portrays is so confusingly endearing. Guthrie was a stack of contradictions. It happens that for most of my reading of this book, I was also reading another well-researched biography, that one about an American author. The two authors had such different approaches.
Cray does not superimpose his views into the telling of Woody Guthrie's story. I can't imagine he doesn't have opinions about the man, but he lets his reader decide if Guthrie's behavior deserved criticism, scrutiny, punishment, or praise. He doesn't even present Guthrie's music as wholly brilliant and important. Even that, he leaves up to us. Bravo, Mr Cray. I appreciate that respect for the reader. Its difficult to pull off.
I took too long to read it having it loaded it onto my e-reader and then forgotten it. I set the book aside for a long time. But when he marries his first wife in Okemah OK and begins his "adulting," its quite a wild ride. I would not recommend this book for an ereader, although the photographs the book offers are in the digital copy I read. I think this is a good book to read in print, so you can have his ballads playing softly in the background. And have a US map handy, too.
What a hoot!
Cray does not superimpose his views into the telling of Woody Guthrie's story. I can't imagine he doesn't have opinions about the man, but he lets his reader decide if Guthrie's behavior deserved criticism, scrutiny, punishment, or praise. He doesn't even present Guthrie's music as wholly brilliant and important. Even that, he leaves up to us. Bravo, Mr Cray. I appreciate that respect for the reader. Its difficult to pull off.
I took too long to read it having it loaded it onto my e-reader and then forgotten it. I set the book aside for a long time. But when he marries his first wife in Okemah OK and begins his "adulting," its quite a wild ride. I would not recommend this book for an ereader, although the photographs the book offers are in the digital copy I read. I think this is a good book to read in print, so you can have his ballads playing softly in the background. And have a US map handy, too.
What a hoot!
March 17, 2022
Ed Cray deals in the whole panorama of Guthrie's life, good and bad referenced equally, there being plenty of both. The music will always be the main facet of the man's life - and what music it is - but there's no pulling of punches here regarding the incredibly selfish side of Woody; the side that led him to always do what he wanted when he wanted and never mind the c0nsequences. Wives came and went and children grew up without the presence of their father but that was okay as long as Woody got to go his own way. The telling of the insidious progress of the neurodegenerative disease that would eventually kill the man makes for poignant reading and will probably have moved many a reader to tears.
Sometimes you have to separate the person from what they do.....
Sometimes you have to separate the person from what they do.....
March 22, 2020
Exceptionally well researched and well written book about an American icon with all his flaws and foibles.
October 15, 2024
A quite exceptional book about a man of great humanity who nonetheless seems absolutely insufferable; this bio, more or less fairly it seems, shows both these sides.
April 26, 2012
One of the best biographies I have ever read although I have heard that the one by Joe Klein on Woody is also good.
Being a huge Bob Dylan fan, I always wanted to know more about Woody and why he was such an inspiration to America and Americans, even helping to spur a whole Folk Movement which enveloped the country in the late 50s and 60s.
Personally, I really don't like Woody's voice that much but in terms of the quality of his lyrics and the messages inherent in his songs, I think he is an amazing songwriter and thanks to Woody, we have amazing artists like Dylan, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, Sammy Walker and most importantly, the great Ramblin' Jack Elliott still kicking around today and arguably the best interpreter of Woody's material.
This book shocked me for a few reasons. First, I had no idea how much tragedy stalked Woody's life. First his sister he died from fire, then his father was badly burned (possibly caused by his mother with Huntington's) and finally and most tragic of all his darling young daughter tragically burned in a freak fire lit by a vagrant spark. As Pete Seeger has said, the Fire God was certainly out to get him.
Secondly, even though Woody was someone who obviously cared very deeply for people, especially the working class, he was 'not a saint' (Cray's own words) including being a real womanizer. He cheated on both of his wives. There was a woman mentioned towards the end of his life whom he was with in his final days before he checked into hospital that I knew nothing about before this book and they seemed to be almost the best match.
I was also shocked to learn that some people like Dylan tried to emulate (unknowingly) what became Woody's voice after it started to deteriorate and become unclear due to his condition. Marjorie, the love of his life, said that Woody always emphasized clear enunciation and did not like what the young folk singers were doing.
Although I read Bound for Glory many years ago when I was back in college and loved it, I never knew, until I read this book, that Woody wrote another novel called Seeds of Man, which he struggled to finish. I read Seeds of Man right after this book and thought it was good, in parts brilliant, but not quite as good as Bound for Glory. I also picked up a book of prints showing some of his famous political cartoons and paintings. When you think about it, what an amazing artist he was. He created 100s of songs, painted some amazing political caricatures, wrote two very good books, wrote many dry, funny articles for communist newspapers and even would make objets out of junk he found in his Mermaid Avenue (tiny) backyard in Coney Island. Ever hear of something called a 'hoodis'? Well, it's a sculpture made out of junk. It seems like his mind was constantly bent on his next creation and he didn't seem to get too hung up on what form it would take.
There are a couple of great video documentaries on him too such as This Machines Kills Fascists, named after the famous slogan which he had painted on his acoustic guitar and even a German documentary on him (I forgot the name) which offers some interesting insights.
There have been some interesting releases over the past few years with the Live Wire recording released back in 2007 and the previously unreleased songs (incl. 'Bad Repetation') that came out on the 2009 vinyl-only releases by Rounder Records (which I incidentally purchased). Therefore, I hope Cray someday updates this biography based on the new material which has come to light since the book was published. Finally, I always felt that a similarity between Woody Guthrie and Joe Hill existed - both protest singers, both led tragic lives - and I was kind of disappointed that the author didn't explore this connection but that's a minor gripe I have.
I highly recommend this for Woody fans, Dylan fans, Ramblin' Jack Elliott fans and Sammy Walker fans(I'm all four).
Being a huge Bob Dylan fan, I always wanted to know more about Woody and why he was such an inspiration to America and Americans, even helping to spur a whole Folk Movement which enveloped the country in the late 50s and 60s.
Personally, I really don't like Woody's voice that much but in terms of the quality of his lyrics and the messages inherent in his songs, I think he is an amazing songwriter and thanks to Woody, we have amazing artists like Dylan, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, Sammy Walker and most importantly, the great Ramblin' Jack Elliott still kicking around today and arguably the best interpreter of Woody's material.
This book shocked me for a few reasons. First, I had no idea how much tragedy stalked Woody's life. First his sister he died from fire, then his father was badly burned (possibly caused by his mother with Huntington's) and finally and most tragic of all his darling young daughter tragically burned in a freak fire lit by a vagrant spark. As Pete Seeger has said, the Fire God was certainly out to get him.
Secondly, even though Woody was someone who obviously cared very deeply for people, especially the working class, he was 'not a saint' (Cray's own words) including being a real womanizer. He cheated on both of his wives. There was a woman mentioned towards the end of his life whom he was with in his final days before he checked into hospital that I knew nothing about before this book and they seemed to be almost the best match.
I was also shocked to learn that some people like Dylan tried to emulate (unknowingly) what became Woody's voice after it started to deteriorate and become unclear due to his condition. Marjorie, the love of his life, said that Woody always emphasized clear enunciation and did not like what the young folk singers were doing.
Although I read Bound for Glory many years ago when I was back in college and loved it, I never knew, until I read this book, that Woody wrote another novel called Seeds of Man, which he struggled to finish. I read Seeds of Man right after this book and thought it was good, in parts brilliant, but not quite as good as Bound for Glory. I also picked up a book of prints showing some of his famous political cartoons and paintings. When you think about it, what an amazing artist he was. He created 100s of songs, painted some amazing political caricatures, wrote two very good books, wrote many dry, funny articles for communist newspapers and even would make objets out of junk he found in his Mermaid Avenue (tiny) backyard in Coney Island. Ever hear of something called a 'hoodis'? Well, it's a sculpture made out of junk. It seems like his mind was constantly bent on his next creation and he didn't seem to get too hung up on what form it would take.
There are a couple of great video documentaries on him too such as This Machines Kills Fascists, named after the famous slogan which he had painted on his acoustic guitar and even a German documentary on him (I forgot the name) which offers some interesting insights.
There have been some interesting releases over the past few years with the Live Wire recording released back in 2007 and the previously unreleased songs (incl. 'Bad Repetation') that came out on the 2009 vinyl-only releases by Rounder Records (which I incidentally purchased). Therefore, I hope Cray someday updates this biography based on the new material which has come to light since the book was published. Finally, I always felt that a similarity between Woody Guthrie and Joe Hill existed - both protest singers, both led tragic lives - and I was kind of disappointed that the author didn't explore this connection but that's a minor gripe I have.
I highly recommend this for Woody fans, Dylan fans, Ramblin' Jack Elliott fans and Sammy Walker fans(I'm all four).
November 30, 2011
I don't often read biographies, but this one is definitely worth reading. It is very informative and well written, telling many interesting stories about the life and times and music of Woody Guthrie. Guthrie was a folk singer, a poet, a writer, a union activist, and maybe could be called a people's musician. His music has been very influential to folk, country, blues, and rock music, influencing Pete Seeger, Rambling Jack Elliott, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Garcia, Lennon and McCartney, Crosby and Nash, Willie Nelson, Tom Waits, Ani DiFranco, Billy Bragg, among others.
He lived a very difficult life, but he was so often focused on helping others, helping those who are worst off and oppressed and downtrodden. He had a big heart, and he was an inspiring person. As Guthrie put it, "I feel my best with you that need me most. I never did know exactly why this is, but that's just the way we're built."
Guthrie was born in Oklahoma, and he lived through the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, World War II, and McCarthyism. He was very political, but he was also funny and light-hearted, and tried to be optimistic, even when afflicted with Huntington's disease later in life. Many of his songs are topical and political, but many are fun and written for children (especially his young daughter Cathy). He wrote many famous songs, but he sought neither fame nor fortune, and never "sold out", even though it meant that he and his family had to struggle at times. He has become even more famous after his death. There is an annual Woody Guthrie Festival and a postage stamp honors him; as his son Arlo put it, "for a man who fought all his life against being respectable, this comes as a stunning defeat."
The author Ed Cray does a good job of separating the real Guthrie from the legend, as a biographer should do. It is disconcerting to read though, learning about Guthrie's many faults and the burdens he placed on those close to him. The book does have a few shortcomings. It is a bit too long, and is a little repetitive at times. Nonetheless, it is well written and interesting to read, and I definitely recommend it.
He lived a very difficult life, but he was so often focused on helping others, helping those who are worst off and oppressed and downtrodden. He had a big heart, and he was an inspiring person. As Guthrie put it, "I feel my best with you that need me most. I never did know exactly why this is, but that's just the way we're built."
Guthrie was born in Oklahoma, and he lived through the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, World War II, and McCarthyism. He was very political, but he was also funny and light-hearted, and tried to be optimistic, even when afflicted with Huntington's disease later in life. Many of his songs are topical and political, but many are fun and written for children (especially his young daughter Cathy). He wrote many famous songs, but he sought neither fame nor fortune, and never "sold out", even though it meant that he and his family had to struggle at times. He has become even more famous after his death. There is an annual Woody Guthrie Festival and a postage stamp honors him; as his son Arlo put it, "for a man who fought all his life against being respectable, this comes as a stunning defeat."
The author Ed Cray does a good job of separating the real Guthrie from the legend, as a biographer should do. It is disconcerting to read though, learning about Guthrie's many faults and the burdens he placed on those close to him. The book does have a few shortcomings. It is a bit too long, and is a little repetitive at times. Nonetheless, it is well written and interesting to read, and I definitely recommend it.
September 27, 2012
I received this book free from Goodreads' first reads.
It took me awhile to get through this book. I don't usually read biographies, and when I do, I don't usually like them. I entered to win this book because I like Woody Guthrie's music, but knew very little about him. I wanted to know more.
I'm an even bigger fan now! I want to be exposed to more of his music. I also learned that he wrote a couple books that I plan to look up. I appreciate his life and beliefs so much more now. He may even replace Dylan as my favorite folk singer...well maybe not. Guthrie was friends with other great artists like Seeger, Leadbetter, and Steinbeck. He lived a life I can barely fathom, and died a death we all dread.
I've known about Woody Guthrie since I was a small child. After all he wrote my state's official folk song "Roll on Columbia, Roll on" a song we all learn in grade school. I also come from a strong union family, and Woody has always been elevated to the level of hero. Even more so now. Must read!
It took me awhile to get through this book. I don't usually read biographies, and when I do, I don't usually like them. I entered to win this book because I like Woody Guthrie's music, but knew very little about him. I wanted to know more.
I'm an even bigger fan now! I want to be exposed to more of his music. I also learned that he wrote a couple books that I plan to look up. I appreciate his life and beliefs so much more now. He may even replace Dylan as my favorite folk singer...well maybe not. Guthrie was friends with other great artists like Seeger, Leadbetter, and Steinbeck. He lived a life I can barely fathom, and died a death we all dread.
I've known about Woody Guthrie since I was a small child. After all he wrote my state's official folk song "Roll on Columbia, Roll on" a song we all learn in grade school. I also come from a strong union family, and Woody has always been elevated to the level of hero. Even more so now. Must read!
September 9, 2016
There is no figure more influential in my understanding of the American experience and what it means to be an American than Woody Guthrie.
Woody was an imperfect, impolite, unreliable, sensitive, empathetic, poorly dressed, noble-hearted, often drunken, usually broke, ramblin', womanizing, short, scrawny, giant of a man. He never wavered in his dedication for the displaced and the oppressed, he was always in alliance with the hard working, common americans; those who faced some of the hardest times our country has ever known, and wanted nothing but food, jobs, homes, and a fair shake in this world. Woody was a radical patriot armed with a guitar and a typewriter; he was fearless and untamable, a nuisance to the status quo and a champion for the hungry and voiceless.
Woody's life was beautiful and tragic, and I am a stronger and more resolute person because of it.
I recommend this book.
Woody was an imperfect, impolite, unreliable, sensitive, empathetic, poorly dressed, noble-hearted, often drunken, usually broke, ramblin', womanizing, short, scrawny, giant of a man. He never wavered in his dedication for the displaced and the oppressed, he was always in alliance with the hard working, common americans; those who faced some of the hardest times our country has ever known, and wanted nothing but food, jobs, homes, and a fair shake in this world. Woody was a radical patriot armed with a guitar and a typewriter; he was fearless and untamable, a nuisance to the status quo and a champion for the hungry and voiceless.
Woody's life was beautiful and tragic, and I am a stronger and more resolute person because of it.
I recommend this book.
January 1, 2013
This book is, I think, a real warts and all biography. One person lays it down- he may have been a great musician, but not really a nice person. His rise from abject poverty paints a kind of social history of the USA. The insights into his primitive socialism, or the simple unfair predudice he railed against, show him as a product of his time. In the end he had to pay twice before the house of unamerican activities and a long lingering death from Huntingdoms. Read it and hear his music in a clearer light.
December 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and it was interesting reading it at the same time Ken Burns' wonderful documentary on The Dust Bowl screened on television. I thought I knew a fair amount about Woody Guthrie but I learned so much I didn't know about him because this book has significant detail. The author doesn't gloss or try to paint a better portrait of the man than he was and like everyone, Guthrie had his faults, but it was fascinating reading for anyone interested in Woody Guthrie and his music and the social history of his life and times.
January 8, 2015
I'm not sure I would like Woody Guthrie if I met him after reading this biography. Intense creativity and brilliance doesn't always make for a nice person. But I do appreciate his contribution to music and society. It was all with the best intentions. He was a lovable character at his very best. I don't think any detail was left out about Woody Guthrie's life.
Little bit of spooky irony, the very day that Pete Seeger died was the day that I read about Woody meeting Pete.
Little bit of spooky irony, the very day that Pete Seeger died was the day that I read about Woody meeting Pete.
January 19, 2010
My husband picked this book out for me, I really didn't know to much about Guthrie, but this book was amazing. He also gave me a CD by Jonatha Brooke called 'The Works' that is Guthrie lyrics to her music. Listening to Guthrie's own words set to Jonatha's beautiful music and reading this great biography was a great gift.
December 9, 2010
Woody Guthrie had quite a life. He was plagued by medical problems and alcoholism, but left a huge mark on folk music. I enjoyed this bio of his troubled life, and his influence on America's music.
July 27, 2012
Really more than you ever wanted to know. Hasn't kept me from putting 2 documentaries on my NF queue, however.
Well written, thorough and many perspectives, opinions presented. One thing I learned: hadn't realized he was a fellow traveler to such a degree of commitment.
Well written, thorough and many perspectives, opinions presented. One thing I learned: hadn't realized he was a fellow traveler to such a degree of commitment.
November 21, 2012
A fairly exhaustive study of Woody Guthrie’s life. Cray had access to new materials which may have added information, but not enhanced readability. An earlier biography of Guthrie by Joe Klein (Woody Guthrie: A Life) was more readable and vivid while handling much of the same source material.
Read
September 11, 2007life is short and I only need to know so much about WG.
April 12, 2009
Sometimes it's hard travellin in the valley of the now. But search for what you know is right. Woody went crazy. But kind people comforted him.
May 7, 2011
What character. This book lead me to eventually read Grapes of Wrath which set off my recent Steinbeck kick. And to think I just opened Ramblin' Man to sneek a peak of Arlo. Yes, He's in there.
May 17, 2008
More than you ever want to know about the folk hero/hobo!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews