This is the first Music Monday that shines a spotlight on an artist who never performed at Farm Aid. But Farm Aid concerts have featured the songs of Woody Guthrie, whose 100th birthday would have been Saturday. I first heard Guthrie’s songs in school growing up, but didn’t know much about him or the influence he’d have on so many musicians over the years. Below are just a few of the times Guthrie’s songs have been played at Farm Aid shows.
Jeff Tweedy, of Wilco, performed at Farm Aid’s 25th concert in Milwaukee in 2010. Among his songs that day was a cover of Woody Guthrie’s “Remember the Mountain Bed”
Way back at Farm Aid III in 1987, “This Land is Your Land” closed out the show. Woodie’s son Arlo took the lead and was backed up by Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Neil Young and what looks like dozens of others on stage.
“This Land is Your Land” and Arlo Guthrie appeared back on the Farm Aid stage in 2001, this time at the beginning of the TV broadcast of the concert. Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Martina McBride and more help out.
I learned a lot about Woody Guthrie from this recent episode of NPR’s Fresh Air, if you’re interested in learning more about him, I’d recommend checking it out.
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