Most people know Woody Guthrie as the writer of “If I Had a Hammer” and other folk songs, but few know the man behind the music. Hear Guthrie’s well-loved works and learn the story of Guthrie’s influence on modern music at Fullerton Main Library at 2:00 p.m. on September 30. Ross Moore will perform Guthrie’s songs live, and recount the often-tragic life of this American icon.

“Woody Guthrie is considered America’s greatest folk singer,” said Moore. Mainly known for composing “This Land is Your Land,” many of Guthrie’s songs are political in nature. “He wrote songs about the Dust Bowl, and the Okies. He was associated with organizing unions. It put him in the whole Red Scare and communism movement,” said Moore. “He was not really political in that sense, he was just so wrapped up in the downtrodden.”

This event is part of the library’s Fullerton Reads programming, which focuses on the book "Farewell to Manzanar", the true story of a dark chapter in U.S. history. Ross Moore will talk about the music of Woody Guthrie, as well as the timeframe and American culture surrounding the internment camps.

Further information about the program may be obtained by calling the Fullerton Public Library at (714) 738-6327. Persons requiring special accommodations to attend the program are asked to notify the library staff prior to September 29.