Arlo Guthrie American folk singer Date of Birth: 10.07.1947 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Musical Influences
2. The Rise of a Folk Icon
3. Continued Success and Philanthropy
4. Family Legacy

Early Life and Musical Influences

Arlo Day Guthrie was born on July 10, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York. His father was Woody Guthrie, a renowned American folk singer and songwriter, and his mother, Marjorie Guthrie, was a ballerina for the Martha Graham Company.

Growing up in the shadow of his famous father, Guthrie was surrounded by folk musicians and songwriters, including Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, and Ramblin' Jack Elliot. As a result, he became immersed in the music world at a young age.

The Rise of a Folk Icon

Guthrie performed his first solo concert at the age of 13. He subsequently became a fixture in the folk clubs of the "folk era," alongside a new generation of musicians, including Phil Ochs and his father's protégé, Bob Dylan.

In 1967, Guthrie shot to mainstream success with his debut album, "Alice's Restaurant." The album featured the 18-minute title track, which became a vocal antiwar anthem during the Vietnam War. The song and album were so popular that they were adapted into a film by director Arthur Penn two years later, with Guthrie playing himself.

Continued Success and Philanthropy

Despite not having another major hit, Guthrie remained a popular and beloved performer. He toured internationally for nearly four decades. In 1983, he opened his own recording studio, Rising Son.

In 1991, Guthrie purchased Trinity Church, the inspiration for the "Alice's Restaurant" song, and renamed it Guthrie Center. Guthrie Center is a non-sectarian church organization that raises funds for AIDS and Huntington's disease (the genetic neurological disorder that claimed Guthrie's father). It also serves as a meditation space for people of all religious backgrounds.

Family Legacy

Guthrie lives in Washington, Massachusetts, with his wife Jackie. His children, Abe Guthrie, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Katie Guthrie, and Annie Guthrie, have all become musicians. Annie Guthrie writes, performs, and manages the family's touring. Sarah Lee records and performs with her husband. Katie Guthrie plays the ukulele in the group Folk Uke, which she formed with Willie Nelson's daughter, Amy. Abe Guthrie formerly played in the folk-rock band Xavier and now tours with his father. Arlo Guthrie's grandson, Krishna, played drums on his grandfather's 2006 European tour.