Will Kaufman Knihy

The narrative explores Woody Guthrie's formative years, highlighting his experiences with the devastating dust storms in Texas and his subsequent migration to California during the Dust Bowl. His journey reflects the struggles of many Americans and the influence of the Popular Front on his political and artistic development. The story culminates in his move to New York in 1940, where he became a pivotal figure in the American folk music renaissance, collaborating with iconic musicians like Pete Seeger and Lead Belly.

This groundbreaking book explores the hidden history of American song and struggle, from the moment Columbus made fateful landfall to the start of the Second World War. Recovering the passionate voices of an entire nation, it shows that these songs are woven into the very fabric of the American people.

Woody Guthrie is often seen as the quintessential "Okie Bard," but this book reveals a more complex figure. Will Kaufman explores Guthrie's multifaceted life as an abstract painter, sculptor, and a thinker engaged with contemporary issues like atomic energy and dialectical materialism. Beyond the rural folk image, Guthrie's artistic and intellectual pursuits highlight his profound connection to the cultural and political landscape of his era, showcasing him as a significant figure in both music and art.