Behind the Bastards: Part One - How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
Released on December 24, 2024
Introduction
In the premiere episode of "Behind the Bastards," host Robert Evans delves deep into the tumultuous life of Woody Guthrie, America's iconic folk singer. This episode not only explores Guthrie's musical genius but also unearths the dark and complex facets of his personal history, painting a comprehensive picture of a man whose life was as turbulent as the songs he penned.
Woody Guthrie's Family Background
Robert Evans begins by setting the stage with Woody Guthrie's lineage, highlighting the problematic nature of his upbringing. Guthrie’s grandfather, Jeremiah Purcell Guthrie, moved his family to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in 1897 under dubious government policies aimed at displacing Native American tribes. This move laid the foundation for a family rife with racial tensions and unethical behavior.
- Quote [00:01-01:10]:
Robert Evans: “There’s a reason the History Channel has produced hundreds of documentaries about Hitler but only a few about Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bad guys (and gals) are eternally fascinating.”
Early Life and Struggles
Guthrie's father, Charlie Guthrie, emerges as a central antagonist in Woody's early life. Charlie’s ambition led him to politics, where he secured a district court position in 1907 through fraudulent means, including the disenfranchisement of Black voters. The family's ascent was short-lived as economic downturns and personal tragedies struck, leading to the collapse of their wealth and stability.
- Quote [05:59-06:07]:
Robert Evans: “But this brings me to the subject of our annual Non Bastards episode. A guy who became very aware of the fact that there were bloodsuckers murdering all of his friends and loved ones and decided, well, fuck, I don't know what else to do but sing some songs about it. This week we're talking about Woody Guthrie.”
Involvement in Racist Activities
The episode confronts the grim reality of Woody Guthrie's father's involvement in heinous acts, including the lynching of Laura and her son L.D. Nelson in 1911. Guthrie acknowledges his father's role in these atrocities, a revelation that casts a long shadow over his legacy.
- Quote [15:57-16:03]:
Robert Evans: “He has a lot of pain in his life, don't worry. Excellent. I'm not gonna say it makes, you know, it equals out, though. So Woody was open about the fact that his father had taken part in this lynching and later accused him of having dawned clan robes.”
Music and Activism
Despite a troubled upbringing, Woody Guthrie emerges as a prolific songwriter with an estimated thousand songs. His music became a vehicle for social commentary, particularly during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Guthrie's songs often reflected his personal struggles and the collective hardships of ordinary Americans, cementing his role as a voice of the people.
- Quote [17:26-17:33]:
Robert Evans: “So it's. Yeah. Bad. I mean, yeah. I don't know what to say about that.”
Faith Healing and Grifting
In his youth, Guthrie dabbled in faith healing, influenced by his uncle Jeff and the prosperity gospel propagated by figures like Norman Vincent Peale. This phase of his life showcases his susceptibility to the self-help culture of the time, blending his charismatic presence with questionable practices to survive economically.
- Quote [45:00-45:15]:
Robert Evans: “He really does believe for a while that he's got some ability to heal people and ability to read their mind. I don't think he's a. He's a grifter here. I think he's a kid who's kind of gets really excited by this shit that has enraptured all of the adults in his life.”
The Dust Bowl and Migration
The episode meticulously details the catastrophic impact of the Dust Bowl on Woody Guthrie and millions of other Americans. Faced with environmental and economic devastation, Guthrie becomes one of the 400,000 migrants heading to California in search of a better life. This period was pivotal in shaping his music, infusing it with themes of displacement and resilience.
- Quote [39:33-39:42]:
Robert Evans: “The rest will follow. I love it. It's so politically confused. Are you a Drop in the water? Or are you completely an individual and everything is your fault if you fail. I love it.”
Conclusion
Robert Evans wraps up the episode by reflecting on Woody Guthrie’s enduring legacy as a folk musician who used his art to challenge societal injustices. Despite the shadows cast by his family's dark past, Guthrie's music remained a beacon of hope and resistance, influencing future generations of artists and activists.
- Quote [51:02-51:20]:
Robert Evans: “So, anyway, I'm gonna end this by playing you our first full Woody Guthrie song, and we'll hear a couple over the course of these episodes. But here's so long it's been good to know ya.”
Notable Quotes
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Robert Evans [05:31]: “But this brings me to the subject of our annual Non Bastards episode. A guy who became very aware of the fact that there were bloodsuckers murdering all of his friends and loved ones and decided, well, fuck, I don't know what else to do but sing some songs about it. This week we're talking about Woody Guthrie.”
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Sophie Lichterman [02:35]: “I'm grateful for my dad, who. The only time I've ever seen a Klansman in robes was as a kid. And I was driving with my dad, and my dad saw these and we stopped and they were flyering, right? And my dad just rolled up the windows, locked the doors, and then fumed.”
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Robert Evans [43:44]: “Everyone just needs a blood boy.”
Key Takeaways
- Woody Guthrie’s legacy is a juxtaposition of his influential music and the morally complex environment in which he was raised.
- His father's involvement in racist violence profoundly impacted Guthrie, shaping his worldview and his art.
- Guthrie's early ventures into faith healing and his susceptibility to the prosperity gospel illustrate the broader societal influences of the time.
- The Dust Bowl and the Great Depression were critical in galvanizing his activism through music, making him a pivotal figure in American folk history.
Conclusion
"Behind the Bastards" offers an unflinching exploration of Woody Guthrie's life, going beyond his celebrated musical contributions to reveal the intricate and often troubling forces that shaped him. Through Robert Evans' insightful narration and candid discussions, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how Guthrie transformed personal and collective struggles into powerful songs that continue to resonate today.