Definition

Proper noun: * Woody Guthrie: An American folk singer, songwriter, and musician who was a seminal figure in the 20th-century folk music revival. His work is characterized by its focus on the lives of working people, social justice, and anti-fascist themes.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The lyrics of Woody Guthrie often told stories of dust bowl migrants and laborers.
  • Many modern folk musicians cite Woody Guthrie as a major influence.
  • The song "This Land Is Your Land" is Woody Guthrie's most famous composition.

Advanced Usage

• Guthrie-esque (adj): Having qualities reminiscent of Woody Guthrie's style, particularly in storytelling, social commentary, or a rough, authentic musical delivery.
  • The singer's Guthrie-esque ballads captured the struggles of the modern working class.

Variants and Related Words

• Guthrie (n): A common shorthand reference for Woody Guthrie within musical and historical contexts.
  • The festival celebrated the legacy of Guthrie.

Synonyms

• Folk singer: A performer of traditional or contemporary folk music.
• Songwriter: A person who writes the words or music for songs.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "This machine kills fascists": A phrase Woody Guthrie famously inscribed on his guitar, symbolizing his belief in music as a tool for social and political protest.
  • Inspired by Guthrie, the activist artist painted "This machine kills fascists" on her case.

Noun

1. United States folk singer and songwriter (1912-1967)