Have you already heard the song “This Land Is Your Land”? This is a song by American folk singer Woodrow Wilson Guthrie, who is popularly known as Woody Guthrie. It is one of the most famous folk songs in the United States, & Woody Guthrie has played a significant role for several American generations. Woody Guthrie’s net worth at death is unknown, as he died in 1967. Let’s explore all about Mr. Legend, Woody Guthrie!
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Woody Guthrie—Personal Information and Career & Legacy
Personal Information
| Personal Information | Details |
| Full Name | Woodrow Wilson Guthrie |
| Birth | July 14, 1912, Okemah, Oklahoma |
| Death | October 3, 1967, Brooklyn, New York |
| Cause of Death | Huntington’s disease |
| Parents | Charles Edward Guthrie and Nora Belle Sherman |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Jennings (1933-1940), Marjorie Mazia (1945-1953), Anneke Van Kirk (1953-1956) |
| Children | 8 children, including folk singer Arlo Guthrie |
| Net worth at death | Exactly Unknown |
Career & Legacy
| Career & Legacy | Details |
| Occupation | Folk singer, songwriter, musician, political activist |
| Active Years | 1930s-1950s |
| Musical Style | American folk, protest songs, dust bowl ballads |
| Primary Instrument | Guitar, harmonica |
| Famous Songs | “This Land Is Your Land,” “Pastures of Plenty,” “Deportee” |
| Political Alignment | Socialist, anti-fascist, labor rights advocate |
| Migration Period | Left Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and traveled to California. |
| Military Service | U.S. Merchant Marine and Army (1940s) |
| Recordings | Over 3,000 songs were recorded, many for the Library of Congress. |
| Influence | A major influence on Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and the folk revival movement |
| Recognition | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1988), Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2000) |
| Famous Quote | “This machine kills fascists” (written on his guitar) |
Early life & challenges
Woody Guthrie, whose full name is Arlo Wilson Guthrie, was a significant figure in American music. He was not just any musician; he was a singer-songwriter and composer, which means he sang, wrote his songs, and created music. He was born on July 14, 1912, in a place called Okemah, Oklahoma. Imagine living in a small town but dreaming of doing big things. That was Woody Guthrie. Unbelievable!
Woody’s life took work. When he was a kid, his family had a lot of problems. There were fires, money issues, and health troubles that made his childhood difficult. However, Woody used these experiences to write songs. He believed that music could tell stories, especially about people’s struggles and hopes. However, Woody utilized these experiences to craft songs. had a strong belief that music had the power to convey stories, particularly those of people’s challenges and aspirations.
Guthrie’s life struggle is a lesson!
Guthrie loved music so much that he learned old tales and traditional English and Scottish songs from his friends’ parents. Guthrie became friends with George, an African American shoeshine boy who played the blues on his harp. To play along with George, Guthrie bought his harp and started to play. He used to beg for food and money on the street. Guthrie didn’t do well in school and dropped out before graduating in his final year, but his teachers said he was smart. He loved to read about many different subjects.
Pic: Woody Guthrie Inspirational quote/Pic credit: Shutterstock
Exceptional Woody
He traveled a lot across the United States. He walked, hitchhiked, and rode trains to see different places and meet other people. Woody carried with him a guitar that had a special message written on it: “This machine kills fascists.” Woody’s message conveyed his belief in the power of music to combat injustice and create positive change in the world.
Woody Guthrie’s song & music career: he is not only a singer but a folk artist
Woody Guthrie’s music career was loud, proud, and full of heart. Yes,he didn’t sing for fame or money—he sang for the people. He wrote songs about farmers, workers, hobos, and anyone who was struggling.
His most famous song, “This Land Is Your Land,” started as a protest. It was written in 1940 as a protest against rich people owning everything. He wanted America to be fair to everyone. Woody traveled the country, hopping trains and singing in camps for Dust Bowl refugees. His guitar had a sticker that said, “This Machine Kills Fascists,” because he believed music could fight injustice.
He didn’t like how everyone sang “God Bless America” like everything was perfect. So he wrote his version—about real America, with fences, hunger, and hope. He traveled across the country on trains, playing guitar in camps and streets. He meant it. Woody wrote hundreds of songs—some joyful, some angry, all honest.
He used simple words and strong feelings. People listened because he sounded like one of them. His music helped start the folk revival. Big names like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen say Guthrie changed their lives. Woody didn’t care about being rich or famous. He just wanted his songs to help people feel seen, heard, and strong. And they still do.
He wrote over 1,000 songs—some funny, some angry, some full of hope. Songs like “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)” stood up for migrant workers, while “Union Maid” cheered for women fighting for fair pay. He sang with other legends like Pete Seeger and Lead Belly, and his music inspired Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and generations of folk singers.
The foundation of Woody Guthrie’s music career was honesty. He wrote songs for the people—workers, farmers, and folks struggling through hard times. His most famous song, “This Land Is Your Land,” was written in 1940 as a protest against rich people owning everything. He wanted America to be fair for everyone. Woody traveled the country, hopping trains and singing in camps for Dust Bowl refugees. His guitar had a sticker that said, “This Machine Kills Fascists,” because he believed music could fight injustice.
Woody didn’t care about fame or money. He just wanted his songs to help people. Even when Huntington’s disease made it hard for him to play, he kept writing. Today, his music still speaks for the poor, the forgotten, and anyone who believes a better world is possible. That’s why Woody Guthrie isn’t just a singer—he’s a voice for justice that never fades.
Recognition/Award
After he passed away, Guthrie was honored by being added to the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 1971 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. In 2002,” The Land is Your Land” was registered by the Library of Congress as one of the 50 songs of the National Recording Registry.
Lyric’s “The Land is Your Land “& its universal appeal!
Some of Guthrie’s most famous songs include “Pastures of Plenty,” “Bound for Glory,” and “This Land is Your Land.” In the song, he tells us about how beautiful America is, like its big forests, wide rivers, tall mountains, and valleys that shine like gold.
Woody sings about walking on a long road, feeling as free as a bird, and seeing signs that make him think, but he knows deep in his heart that the land is for you, me, and everyone. He looks up at the bright sun and sees fields of wheat dancing in the wind, and he imagines his voice flying with the breeze.
This song makes us feel like we’re all friends, holding hands across this ample, beautiful land. Woody wants us to remember that America’s beauty is a gift for everyone to share and take care of. His song is like a hug, telling us that this beautiful land is ours to love and protect.
This song shakes the world, & many countries’ singer have made it their version! Here is the Canadian Version:
“This land is your land, This land is my land,
From Bonavista to Vancouver Island
From the Arctic Circle to the Great Lake waters,
This land was made for you and me.”
On the Library of Congress website, it quotes “The Land is Your Land” and “Alternative National Anthem” in the United States.
Woody’s influence on our generation
Woody had a significant influence on other musicians. Even after he could no longer perform because of a sickness called Huntington’s disease, his songs still motivated people. Musicians like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and many others have said that Woody Guthrie helped them understand the power of music. Woody taught them that songs can unite people and empower them, not just entertain.
Woody Guthrie’s political views
On Woody Gothries ‘s official website, the Britannica sources & other offline/online sources confirm that Guthrie had a noble political wish. And it was socialism. His guitar always carries a sticker: “This machine kills fascists.” Woody Guthrie became the primary spokesperson for labor and populist sentiment. Young Woody was a vital songwriter of the famous Almanac Singers; it’s a global movement against the world’s fascism.
Woody’s Lesson for all humanity
Even though Woody Guthrie passed away on October 3, 1967, his music is still alive. Schools teach his songs, musicians still play them, and people all over the world listen to and get inspired by his message. Woody Guthrie showed us that with a simple song, we can share big ideas and feelings. He taught us that music could be a powerful tool to make the world a better place.
Woody Guthrie’s life tells us an important story. It’s not just about music; it’s about how one person can make a difference. Woody used his guitar and his voice to stand up for people who were having a difficult time. He showed us that it’s essential to care about each other and always to try to do what’s right. Woody Guthrie’s music reminds us that no matter where we come from, we all share this land, and we should work together to make it a happy and fair place for everyone.
Woody Guthrie’s touchy personal life
Woody Guthrie’s life was a mix of love and struggle. He had three marriages. His first wife was Mary Jennings. They raised three kids together. He married Marjorie Greenblatt. They had four kids. One of them was his son, Arlo. Arlo became a well-known singer as well. Woody’s final wife was Anneke van Kirk. They had a child.
Woody’s mom was sick with Huntington’s disease. In those diseases, your body moves strangely, and you start to forget things. Woody caught the same illness. He discovered it in 1952. The illness gradually worsened. In 1954, he had to stay in a special hospital. He remained there until he died in 1967.
Woody loved his kids, even when he was sick. He created songs for them, such as “Songs to Grow On.” His family came to see him often. They shared songs and told tales. Woody’s kids consider him to be a fun and silly dad. They witnessed the struggle of his illness.
Woody’s life reveals his passion for music. He continued to create, even in hard times. His family kept his hope alive. His kids continued his passion for music. Arlo continues to sing Woody’s songs even now. Woody lived a life filled with happiness, challenges, and plenty of love.
About Woody Guthrie’s Son Arlo Guthrie
Pic: Arlo Guthrie/Credit: GettyImages
Arlo Guthrie is the son of the famous musician Woody Guthrie. Like his dad, he became a musician, known especially for his song “Alice’s Restaurant.” Arlo sings and plays the guitar, and he is also known for telling stories in his songs, which has made him popular with fans around the world. Through his music, Arlo continues to carry on his dad’s legacy, sharing messages of peace and social justice
Last Few Words
Woody Guthrie didn’t care about money. When he passed away in 1967, his net worth was low. He led a modest life and frequently faced financial difficulties. Woody wrote songs for the people. He didn’t do it for money, unlike many wealthy musicians like NF or Jhene Aiko, etc., today. Even his most well-known song, “This Land Is Your Land,” didn’t earn him much money. His true wealth lay in his legacy.
His music inspired generations, influencing artists like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Today, his songs are still sung at protests, in schools, and around campfires. Wikipedia and other sources may not provide exact numbers for his net worth, but Woody’s real worth wasn’t in money. It was in the strength of his words and the battle for justice he championed. His music belongs to the people, and that’s exactly how he wanted it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where was Woody Guthrie born?
Ans. Woody Guthrie was born in Okemah, Oklahoma.
2. When was Woody Guthrie born?
Ans. Woody Guthrie was born on July 14, 1912.
3. When did Woody Guthrie die?
Ans. Woody Guthrie died on October 3, 1967.
4. What was Woody Guthrie famous for?
Ans. Woody Guthrie was renowned for being a singer and songwriter.
5. What is Woody Guthrie’s disease?
Ans. Woody Guthrie had Huntington’s disease.
6. Was Woody Guthrie a communist?
Ans. Woody Guthrie had beliefs similar to communism, but it’s not simple to say he was a communist. He supports socialism.
7. is Arlo Guthrie Woody’s son
Ans. Yes, Arlo Guthrie is Woody’s son.
8. Is Arlo Guthrie still alive?
Ans. Arlo Guthrie, the son of Legend Woody Guthrie, is now a famous American Folk singer and songwriter. Arlo is like his father, Woody Guthrie’s perfect successor!
9. How old was Woody Guthrie when he died?
Ans. Woody Guthrie was 55 years old when he died.
10. Are Arlo and Woody Guthrie related?
Ans. Yes, Arlo and Woody Guthrie are related; Arlo is Woody’s son.
References
https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200197519#ref1
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/29/lost-woody-guthrie-songs-ai-fred-trump-donald-einstein