Today in labor history July 14 Singer Woody Guthrie was born

[Omaha Steve]

July 14

The Great Uprising nationwide railway strike begins in Martinsburg, W.Va. after railroad workers are hit with their second pay cut in a year. In the following days, strike riots spread across the U.S. The next week, federal troops were called out to force an end to the strike - 1877


July 14, 1912 - Singer Woody Guthrie was born. Perhaps his best-known song is "This Land is Your Land," an anthem to democracy. During the Great Depression, he captured the mood of the country. Many of his songs live on at rallies and on picketlines. He inspired numerous other artists, including Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan.

Hear Woody sing and learn more about him at the official Woody Guthrie website, www.woodyguthrie.org




Italian immigrants and anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti are convicted in Massachusetts of murder and payroll robbery – unfairly, most historians agree – after a two-month trial, and are eventually executed. Fifty years after their deaths the state’s governor issued a proclamation saying they had been treated unfairly and that “any disgrace should be forever removed from their names.” - 1921

[Faygo Kid]

1. Great American. I think Arlo is pretty cool, too.

Gratified that the genetic disorder did not find Arlo.

Strange days: Saw a troubled soul in downtown DC today that was a dead ringer for Arlo. Two blocks from the White House.

[tekisui]

2. Still my favorite folk singer.

Little Black Train, Talking Hard Work, Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy.

So many great songs. He was a true American Patriot, and sang for the worker.

Here's to you, Woody!!! Happy Birthday!