Behind the Bastards: Part Two – How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon

Release Date: December 26, 2024

In the gripping second part of the Behind the Bastards series, Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts delve deep into the life of Woody Guthrie, a seminal figure who transformed folk music into a powerful tool for social change. Host Robert Evans, alongside co-hosts Sophie and Margaret, navigates through the tumultuous journey of Guthrie, highlighting his artistic evolution, political activism, and personal struggles.

1. Woody Guthrie's Early Life and Economic Struggles ([04:27] – [10:21])

Robert Evans sets the stage by discussing Guthrie's early adulthood, emphasizing his move from Texas to California during the Great Depression. Guthrie's marriage to Mary was strained as economic hardships made it difficult for him to support his growing family. "He is the idea is, I'm coming out here to support my family, but he's not able to support Mary," Evans explains ([04:47]).

2. Life in Happy Valley and Hoovervilles ([06:39] – [07:54])

Guthrie found himself in Happy Valley, a shanty town akin to the infamous Hoovervilles, which were large homeless camps named in derision of President Herbert Hoover's policies ([06:41]). Evans notes, "Hoovervilles were named kind of. It was an attack on President Herbert Hoover," highlighting how these camps symbolized the widespread despair of the era.

3. Partnership with Jack Guthrie and Musical Differences ([12:13] – [14:40])

Guthrie's collaboration with his cousin, Jack Guthrie, a western singer influenced by popular music, marked a significant yet challenging phase in his career. "They could neither sing nor play guitar together," Evans remarks ([12:13]). The clash in their musical styles—Jack's jazz-influenced chords versus Woody's minimalist approach—eventually led Woody to focus more on folk music with a strong social consciousness.

4. Transition to Socially Conscious Folk Music ([14:40] – [16:56])

Woody's shift towards folk music is characterized by songs that speak to the struggles of the working class. Evans cites "Talking Dust Bowl Blues" as a prime example: "He sung about relatable nuts and bolts, issues that are still familiar to a lot of people today" ([19:35]). However, this period was also marred by Guthrie's internal battles with racism, as he struggled with ingrained prejudices from his upbringing. A poignant moment is captured when Guthrie reacts to a black listener's criticism: "He apologized. He next tore all the N-word songs out of his songbook" ([15:52]).

5. Woody’s Racial Views and Evolution ([15:52] – [17:40])

Margaret and Robert engage in a candid discussion about Guthrie's initial racist tendencies and his subsequent efforts to change. "This is not a part of his entire life or his whole creative life. He writes anti-racist songs," Margaret asserts ([16:56]). They explore the complexities of judging historical figures by contemporary moral standards, acknowledging Woody's progress despite his troubled past.

6. Association with the American Communist Party ([27:44] – [48:30])

Guthrie's political affiliations became increasingly radical as he aligned himself with socialist and communist activists. Evans explains, "Woody becomes a communist. He will call himself a card carrying communist" ([27:44]). Despite not officially joining the party, his activism and music resonated with left-wing ideologies, which later subjected him to scrutiny during the Red Scare era. "He was accused by the California State Senate's far right Committee on Un American Activities for being Joe Stalin's California mouthpiece" ([48:31]).

7. Woody's War Efforts and Songs ([52:39] – [62:27])

With the onset of World War II, Woody transitioned to writing anti-fascist anthems. Evans highlights his active participation in the Merchant Marine, enduring three torpedo attacks ([52:39]). Guthrie's wartime songs, such as "Reuben James," emphasized the human cost of war and his staunch anti-fascist stance. "Tell me what was their names? Tell me what was their names?" he poignantly sings ([60:24]).

8. "This Land Is Your Land" and Its Evolution ([62:04] – [64:59])

Arguably Guthrie's most famous work, "This Land Is Your Land," was born as a response to Irving Berlin's "God Bless America." Initially titled "God Bless America for Me," the song critiqued the disparity between the idealistic view of America and the harsh realities faced by its citizens. "The verse about the relief office... it's very much not an imperialist song," Evans clarifies ([62:27]). Over time, the song was sanitized and adopted as a national anthem, diverging from Guthrie's original intent.

9. Personal Struggles, Mental Illness, and Decline ([65:28] – [78:00])

Post-war, Guthrie's life took a tragic turn. In 1947, an electrical fire claimed his daughter, leading to severe personal and mental health struggles exacerbated by Huntington's disease. Evans narrates the harrowing events where Guthrie's obsessive letters led to legal troubles: "He eventually refuses court mandated therapy and his lawyer manages to narrowly get him out of a six month sentence" ([68:05]). Despite his declining health, Guthrie's influence persisted, with figures like Bob Dylan visiting him and celebrating his legacy ([75:18]).

10. Legacy and Conclusion ([75:18] – [79:28])

Guthrie's enduring legacy is underscored by his vast repertoire of songs, poems, and illustrations. His influence on the folk revival and artists like Bob Dylan cemented his place in American music history. "You cannot. Yeah, he's very willing to put his skin in the game," Evans concludes, reflecting on Guthrie's relentless commitment to his art and beliefs ([62:27]).

Notable Quotes:

• "Nothing sucks like an Electrolux." – Robert Evans ([07:30])

• "About all a human being is anyway is just a hoping machine." – Woody Guthrie ([75:20])

• "You can either go to the church of your choice. Or you can go to Brooklyn State Hospital. You'll find God in the church of your choice. You'll find Woody Guthrie in Brooklyn State Hospital." – Bob Dylan ([76:51])

Final Thoughts:

The episode presents a multifaceted portrait of Woody Guthrie, balancing his artistic genius and political fervor with his personal demons and moral failings. Evans and his co-hosts provide a nuanced exploration, encouraging listeners to grapple with the complexities of historical figures who wielded their talents as weapons for change.

For Listeners:

If you haven't listened to this episode yet, "Behind the Bastards: Part Two – How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon" offers a comprehensive and engaging look into the life of one of America's most influential folk musicians. Dive into the rich discussions, insightful analyses, and hear firsthand the transformative power of music in social activism.

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