On this day in 1912, folksinger-songwriter Woody Guthrie is born in Okemah, Okla. During the Depression, Guthrie traveled the country as a wandering musician, singing for his supper and writing songs about what he saw on his journey. Many of his songs were political and liberal, supporting migrant workers and pacifists. His songs enjoyed new popularity during the 1960s folk revolution, when singers like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan championed him as an American treasure.

(With thanks to History.com)