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Lot #912
Woody Guthrie

Guthrie signs away the rights to his ‘Dust Pneumonia Blues’

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Description

Guthrie signs away the rights to his ‘Dust Pneumonia Blues’

Singer-songwriter (1912–1967) best known for such iconic folk songs as ‘This Land Is Your Land,’ which glories in the spirit of the American landscape and its people DS, four pages, 8.5 x 11, no date. Agreement between Guthrie and People’s Songs, Inc., in which Guthrie signs over all his rights to the song ‘Dust Pneumonia Blues.’ He pens in the song title on the first page. On the second page, he prints his name and Brooklyn, New York address in the notification line near the bottom. On page three, section four reads, “It is understood and agreed by and between all the parties hereto that all sums hereunder payable jointly to the Writer(s) shall be divided amongst them respectively as follows,” signing “Woody Guthrie 100%,” then signing one more time on the last page as a writer. Uniform toning to each page, a staple and staple hole to top left, as well as some scattered light soiling from carbon, otherwise fine condition.

People's Songs was a newsletter and booking organization founded in 1945 by Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, and others ‘to make and send songs of labor and the American people through the land.’ After his discharge from the Army Air Force, Guthrie joined the group. ‘Dust Pneumonia Blues’ was written for Guthrie's 1940 album Dust Bowl Ballads as a parody of yodeling country musician Jimmie Rodgers. It was Guthrie’s first commercial recording and the most successful album of his career. Dust Bowl Ballads was semi-autobiographical, drawing on his experience as an ‘Okie’ during the Dust Bowl era. A fine document relating to one of the legendary singer’s greatest works. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #385 - Ended April 26, 2012





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