Woody Guthrie

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  • Year:
    1988
  • Inducted by:
    Neil Young (Buffalo Springfield)
  • Category:
    Early Influences
Woody Guthrie - Signature

Introduction

Woody Guthrie started more than one revolution.

He revolutionized folk music when he used it to express his own, often radical, views about society. Without Woody Guthrie, there would be no Dylan, Springsteen or Baez.

 

Hall of Fame Essay

1988

Andrew Schwartz

Woody Guthrie was a stubborn, moody, irresponsible and just plain ornery soul;  a hard-drinking egomaniac who ''borrowed” nearly all of the melodies of his many songs; an irregular source of support to his wives and children; and one of the world’s worst house guests.

Woody Guthrie was also one of America’s greatest folk poets and the author of literally thousands of songs, including "Pastures of Plenty,” "Reuben James,” "Grand Coulee Dam,” "Do Re Mi,”  "So Long, It’s Been Good to  Know You” and "This Land Is Your Land.”  

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program Cover 1988
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Woody Guthrie - Quote Image
his songs are going to last forever
Neil Young

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Gallery