Legendary folkie Woody Guthrie would have been 100 this year--he died in 1967 at age 55--and LA, his one-time home, is doing its part to honor him. The corner of Fifth and Main will be renamed Woody Guthrie Square, reports the Downtown News, with ceremonial markers to be installed. Guthrie lived for a short time near the area in the 1940s and penned a song called "Fifth Street Blues." "Do Re Mi," meanwhile, was about Dust Bowl migrants seeking a better life in California, and "This Land Is Your Land" famously referenced the Golden State. "Los Angeles New Years Flood" chronicled the 1934 Crescenta Valley flood.
The Grammy Museum in South Park also has lots of events planned for the singer, including a lecture tomorrow by Woody expert and museum director Robert Santelli, and a week long Guthrie film festival, featuring documentaries and biographies. The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this year that many hope to spread Guthrie's music to the young folk, though his songs of disenfranchisement and struggle have already been sung by many Occupy protesters.
· Fifth and Main to Be Woody Guthrie Square [DN]
· Woody Guthrie Centennial Celebration [Grammy Museum]
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