Synopses & Reviews
In 1941, Woody Guthrie wrote 26 songs in 30 days—including classics like “Roll On Columbia” and “Pastures of Plenty”—when he was hired by the Bonneville Power Administration to promote the benefits of cheap hydroelectric power, irrigation, and the Grand Coulee Dam. Timed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this project, KEXP DJ Greg Vandy takes readers inside the unusual partnership between one of America’s great folk artists and the federal government, and shows how the American folk revival was a response to hard times.
26 Songs In 30 Days plunges deeply into the historical context of the time and the progressive politics that embraced Social Democracy during an era in which the United States had been severely suffering from The Great Depression. And though this is a musical history of a vibrant American musical icon and a specific part of the country, it couldn’t be a better reminder of how timeless and expansive such topics are in today’s political discourse.
Review
"26 Songs in 30 Days is a valuable addition to the Woody Guthrie library, not to mention a great read. Greg Vandy’s love of the topic reveals itself on every page. The story he tells provides insight and clarity about a period in the life of Guthrie that hasn’t gotten its due—until now." Robert Santelli, author of This Land Is Your Land: Woody Guthrie and the Journey of an American Folk Song
Review
"I can’t get enough of Woody Guthrie, and Greg Vandy reveals him afresh in the context of a project that piques the best in Woody, and maybe the best in America. Read, learn, enjoy—and sing." Robert Gordon, author of Respect Yourself
Synopsis
In 1941, Woody Guthrie wrote 26 songs in 30 days--including classics like "Roll On Columbia" and "Pastures of Plenty"--when he was hired by the Bonneville Power Administration to promote the benefits of cheap hydroelectric power, irrigation, and the Grand Coulee Dam. Timed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this project, KEXP DJ Greg Vandy takes readers inside the unusual partnership between one of America's great folk artists and the federal government, and shows how the American folk revival was a response to hard times.
26 Songs In 30 Days plunges deeply into the historical context of the time and the progressive politics that embraced Social Democracy during an era in which the United States had been severely suffering from The Great Depression. And though this is a musical history of a vibrant American musical icon and a specific part of the country, it couldn't be a better reminder of how timeless and expansive such topics are in today's political discourse.
Synopsis
A fascinating portrait of icon Woody Guthrie, the Pacific Northwest, and folk music--all set against the backdrop of a tumultuous moment in American history In 1941, Woody Guthrie wrote 26 songs in 30 days--including classics like "Roll On Columbia" and "Pastures of Plenty"--when he was hired by the Bonneville Power Administration to promote the benefits of cheap hydroelectric power, irrigation, and the Grand Coulee Dam. Now, KEXP DJ Greg Vandy takes readers inside the unusual partnership between one of America's great folk artists and the federal government, and shows how the American folk revival was a response to hard times.
26 Songs In 30 Days plunges deeply into the historical context of the time and the progressive politics that embraced Social Democracy during an era in which the United States had been severely suffering from The Great Depression. And though this is a musical history of a vibrant American musical icon and a specific part of the country, it couldn't be a better reminder of how timeless and expansive such topics are in today's political discourse.
About the Author
Since 2000, Greg Vandy has been the host of The Roadhouse on Seattle’s KEXP radio where he brings a world of folk, blues, and roots-inspired music to listeners in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.