Prophet Singer The Voice And Vision of Woody Guthrie(pdf)[rogerc

PROPHET SINGER: THE VOICE AND VISION OF WOODY GUTHRIE
by Mark Allan Jackson


University Press of Mississippi | ISBN: 1604731028 | February 6, 2008 | 317 pages | PDF | 2.77 MB



Prophet Singer: The Voice and Vision of Woody Guthrie examines the cultural and political significance of lyrics by beloved songwriter and activist Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie. The text traces how Guthrie documented the history of AmericaΓΓé¼Γäós poor and disadvantaged through lyrics about topics as diverse as the Dust Bowl and the poll tax. Divided into chapters covering specific historical topics such as race relations and lynchings, famous outlaws, the Great Depression, unions, the book takes an in-depth look at how Guthrie manipulated his lyrics to explore pressing issues and to bring greater political and economic awareness to the common people.
Incorporating the best of both historical and literary perspectives, Mark Allan Jackson references primary sources including interviews, records, drawings, and writings. He includes a variety of materials from the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the Woody Guthrie Archives. Many of these have never before been widely available. The result provides new insights on one of AmericaΓΓé¼Γäós most intriguing icons. Prophet Singer offers an analysis of the creative impulse behind and ideals expressed in GuthrieΓΓé¼Γäós song lyrics.
Details from the artistΓΓé¼Γäós personal life as well as his interactions with political and artistic movements from the first half of the twentieth century afford readers the opportunity to understand how GuthrieΓΓé¼Γäós deepest beliefs influenced and found voice in the lyrics that are now known and loved by millions.


From the Publisher
This exploration of the history and intent behind the song lyrics of a great American folk singer
--- Offers the first in-depth interpretation of GuthrieΓΓé¼Γäós lyrics relative to their historical and biographical contexts
--- Includes deeply personal perspectives from a figure with broad popular appeal
--- Explores GuthrieΓΓé¼Γäós lyrics as social commentary
--- Incorporates extensive resources from a variety of disciplines into an easily approachable narrative
--- Expands the American Made Music Series