Since 2014 the annual Woody Guthrie Prize has been presented to exceptional artists who exemplify the spirit and social ideals of the namesake, Woody Guthrie. In 2024 the Woody Guthrie Center chose guitarist, author and activist, Tom Morello. The award was presented by Woody’s granddaughter, Anna Canoni, at the historic Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa.
Morello accepted the award with obvious gratitude, and offered insights on his upbringing, along with some stirring comment on current affairs. Afterwards the chairs were cleared away and he brought out his acoustic guitar. Eventually he invited the crowd to join him onstage, and the best part of the evening was soon to follow.
As Morello began playing Woody Guthrie’s most famous anthem, This Land is Your Land, he invited the crowd to sing along. It was an emotional moment in Tulsa’s timeless honky-tonk, and one I won’t soon forget.
Enjoy the video above, and please forgive my unsteady hand!
