Woodie Guthrie tribute

Woodie Guthrie died on this date in 1967 at the age of 55.  His younger years were troubled with monetary challenges.  His last years were troubled by physical and psychological difficulties. Despite his many personal hardships, Guthrie's career as folk-singer and songwriter inspired a generation of folk music enthusiasts who in turn inspired a folk-rock cultural explosion in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's.  I grew up listening to Peter, Paul, and Mary, Bob Dylan, and even Arlo Guthrie (Woodie's son), but  Guthrie's influence touched so many performers and groups of that time.  Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Pete Seeger, and so many more have acknowledged him as a major inspiration for their work.  Although he may be best know as the composer of This Land Is Your Land (1940), his numerous songs reflect the America of his time: The Great Depression and Dust Bowl days, Hoboes and farm workers, politicians and corruption, wars, famines, class inequality, etc.  Regardless of our individual social and political bent, I think we call all appreciate Woodie Guthrie for being one of the unique and original voices of the American spirit.