Biography
Arlo Davy Guthrie, born July 10, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American folk singer-songwriter renowned for his protest songs, storytelling, and social commentary. The son of legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie and dancer Marjorie Mazia Guthrie, Arlo grew up immersed in a vibrant artistic community, surrounded by influential figures such as Pete Seeger and members of The Weavers. He began performing publicly at age 13, quickly establishing himself within the burgeoning 1960s folk scene.
Guthrie's breakthrough came in 1967 with the release of 'Alice's Restaurant Massacree,' an 18-minute satirical talking blues that became an anthem for the anti-Vietnam War movement. The song's popularity led to a film adaptation in which Arlo starred, further cementing his place in American counterculture. Over the decades, Guthrie's career has spanned songwriting, recording, and extensive touring, with notable works including his hit cover of 'City of New Orleans' and the album 'Hobo's Lullaby.' His music blends traditional folk with humor and narrative, and he is recognized for both his activism and his role in preserving and evolving the folk tradition.
Beyond his own recordings, Guthrie has been a key figure in folk music's intergenerational transmission, collaborating with icons like Pete Seeger and nurturing the careers of his own children. He founded Rising Son Records, one of the earliest independent labels, and established The Guthrie Center in Massachusetts, furthering his legacy as a community builder and cultural bridge.
Fun Facts
- Arlo Guthrie's 'Alice's Restaurant Massacree' is played annually on many radio stations across the U.S. every Thanksgiving.
- He was declared 'not moral enough to join the army' after being arrested for littering, an event that inspired 'Alice's Restaurant.'
- Guthrie purchased the church featured in 'Alice's Restaurant' and turned it into The Guthrie Center, a community and interfaith meeting place.
- He is one of the first major artists to create his own independent record label, Rising Son Records, in the early 1980s.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Woody Guthrie - Father and primary musical influence; taught Arlo folk traditions and songwriting. (Early songs, family performances) [1947–1967]
- Pete Seeger - Family friend and frequent collaborator; influenced Arlo's activism and musical style. (Numerous joint concerts, especially annual Carnegie Hall shows) [1960s–2013]
- Ramblin’ Jack Elliott - Family friend and folk mentor; stylistic influence. (Shared performances, folk festivals) [1950s–1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Pete Seeger - Longtime touring partner and collaborator. (Annual Carnegie Hall concerts, joint tours) [1970s–2013]
- Steve Goodman - Songwriter whose work Arlo popularized. (Cover of 'City of New Orleans') [1972]
- Family members (Sarah Lee Guthrie, Abe Guthrie, Cathy Guthrie, Annie Guthrie) - Performed and recorded together; children have their own music careers. (Family concerts, Rising Son Records releases) [1990s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Sarah Lee Guthrie - Daughter; continued the family folk tradition. (Solo albums, duo with Johnny Irion) [2000s–present]
- Abe Guthrie - Son; keyboardist and collaborator. (Touring with Arlo, solo work) [1990s–present]
- Contemporary folk artists - Inspired by Arlo's blend of storytelling and activism. (Various folk revival works) [1970s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Hobo's Lullaby (Remastered 2004) | 2004 | Album |
| Alice's Restaurant | 1967-08-28 | Album |
| Running Down the Road (Remastered) | 1969-08-02 | Album |
| Last of the Brooklyn Cowboys (Remastered 2004) | 1973-08-16 | Album |
| Live in Sydney | 2005-08-09 | Album |
| Together in Concert (Remastered 1999) | 1975-09-30 | Album |
| Arlo Guthrie | 1974-08-02 | Album |
| Arlo (Remastered) | 1968-07-22 | Album |
| Amigo | 2008-08-01 | Album |
| Washington County (Remastered 2004) | 1970-08-02 | Album |
| In Times Like These | 2007-07-10 | Album |
| More Together Again (Remastered) | 1994-04-26 | Album |
| Alice's Restaurant 50th Anniversary Massacree | 2016-02-23 | Album |
| Alice's Restaurant (The Massacree Revisited) [Live at The Church] | 1995-12-05 | Album |
| Every 100 Years - Live auf der Wartburg | 2010-07-02 | Album |
Top Tracks
- The City of New Orleans (Hobo's Lullaby (Remastered 2004))
- Coming into Los Angeles - Remastered (Running Down the Road (Remastered))
- Alice's Restaurant Massacree (Alice's Restaurant)
- The Motorcycle Song (Alice's Restaurant)
- Coming into Los Angeles (Taking Woodstock - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Live
- Hobo's Lullaby (Hobo's Lullaby (Remastered 2004))
- Lightning Bar Blues (Hobo's Lullaby (Remastered 2004))
- Last Train (Last of the Brooklyn Cowboys (Remastered 2004))
- Highway in the Wind (Alice's Restaurant)
- Oklahoma Hills - Remastered (Running Down the Road (Remastered))
External Links
Tags: #folk
References
Heard on WWOZ
Arlo Guthrie has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 24, 2025 | 14:39 | Deporteesfrom Arlo Guthrie | The Blues Breakdown |