Woodrow Wilson Guthrie

 Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967)

He was one of the most significant figures in American folk music; his music, including social justice songs, such as "This Land Is Your Land", has inspired several generations both politically and musically. He wrote hundreds of political, folk, and children's songs, along with ballads and improvised works. His album of songs about the Dust Bowl period, Dust Bowl Ballads, is included on Mojo magazine's list of 100 Records That Changed The World. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Hunter, Harry Chapin, John Mellencamp, Pete Seeger, Andy Irvine, Joe Strummer, among others, have acknowledged Guthrie as a major influence. Throughout his life, Guthrie was associated with United States Communist groups, although he did not appear to be a member of any. In February 1940 he wrote his most famous song, "This Land Is Your Land". He said it was a response to what he felt was the overplaying of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" on the radio. Guthrie was married three times and fathered eight children, including American folk musician Arlo Guthrie. Guthrie died of complications of Huntington's disease on October 3, 1967. Guthrie's illness was essentially untreated, because of a lack of knowledge about the disease. Because of his professional renown, his death from this cause helped raise awareness of the disease. Marjorie (His 2nd wife) helped found the Committee to Combat Huntington's Disease, which became the Huntington's Disease Society of America.