Dozen Loops: The Radical Voice of Woody Guthrie

Currently on display at the Woody Guthrie Center is A Dozen Loops: The Radical Voice of Woody Guthrie, a new exhibition exploring Guthrie’s enduring fight for justice through 12 songs that confronted some of the most pressing social issues of his time. 

The exhibit title is taken from a quote by Woody Guthrie, in which he talks about why he writes the songs that he does, “I am out to sing songs that will prove to you that this is your world and that if it has hit you pretty hard and knocked you for a dozen loops, no matter what color, what size you are, how you are built, I am out to sing the songs that make you take pride in yourself and in your work.” 

The exhibit highlights Woody Guthrie’s engagement with topics such as racism, labor unions, environmental rights, U.S. politics, voting rights, anti-fascism and immigration. The exhibit offers an in-depth look at how the songwriter used his platform to challenge inequality and advocate for the dignity of everyday people.