Woody Guthrie Albums In Order Of Release Date

Woody Guthrie, the legendary American folk singer-songwriter, left an indelible mark on music with his raw, honest lyrics about the struggles of everyday people, social justice, and the American landscape. Born in 1912, Guthrie’s life was as turbulent as the Dust Bowl he chronicled, and his discography reflects a prolific career spanning decades. From his early Dust Bowl ballads to posthumous compilations, his albums capture the essence of 20th-century America. In this guide, we list Guthrie’s albums in chronological order by release year, complete with Spotify embeds, insightful explanations, and full tracklists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, dive in to discover the stories behind the songs that inspired generations of artists like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

List Of Woody Guthrie Albums In Order By Year

Woody Guthrie Albums In Order: A Complete Guide With Tracklists

Dust Bowl Ballads (1940)

Dust Bowl Ballads stands as Woody Guthrie’s seminal work, capturing the harrowing experiences of migrants fleeing the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Released by Victor Records, this album marked Guthrie’s first commercial recording and is often hailed as one of the first concept albums in music history. Drawing from his own travels and observations, Guthrie’s storytelling blends humor, despair, and resilience, painting a vivid picture of economic hardship and human endurance. The songs, recorded in a single session, echo John Steinbeck’s *The Grapes of Wrath*, influencing future protest music and solidifying Guthrie’s role as the voice of the downtrodden. Its raw acoustic style and poignant narratives make it essential listening for understanding America’s turbulent 1930s.

Tracklist:
1. The Great Dust Storm (Dust Storm Disaster)
2. I Ain’t Got No Home In This World Anymore
3. Talkin’ Dust Bowl Blues
4. Vigilante Man
5. Dust Can’t Kill Me
6. Pretty Boy Floyd
7. Dust Bowl Blues
8. Blowin’ Down This Road (I Ain’t Going To Be Treated This Way)
9. Tom Joad, Pt. 1
10. Tom Joad, Pt. 2
11. Dust Bowl Refugee
12. Do Re Mi
13. Dust Pneumonia Blues
14. Dusty Old Dust (So Long It’s Been Good To Know Yuh)

Nursery Days (1951)

Nursery Days showcases a gentler side of Woody Guthrie, focusing on playful songs for children inspired by his own family. Released by Folkways Records, this album was recorded in the late 1940s when Guthrie was raising his kids amid personal challenges, including the early onset of Huntington’s disease. Unlike his protest anthems, these tracks emphasize fun, education, and bonding, teaching kids about everyday activities through catchy melodies and repetitive lyrics. It’s a testament to Guthrie’s versatility, blending folk traditions with parental affection. Parents and educators love it for its timeless appeal, helping children learn numbers, actions, and imagination while enjoying Guthrie’s warm, folksy delivery.

Tracklist:
1. Wake Up
2. Clean-o
3. Dance Around
4. Put Your Finger in the Air
5. Don’t You Push Me Down
6. My Dolly
7. Come See
8. Race You Down the Mountain
9. Howdido
10. Merry-Go-Round
11. Sleep Eye
12. My Yellow Crayon
13. Roll On
14. Jiggy Jiggy Bum
15. Bubble Gum
16. Don’t You Push Me Down (Alternate Take)

Songs to Grow on for Mother and Child (1956)

Songs to Grow on for Mother and Child is a heartfelt collection of lullabies and playful tunes that Guthrie crafted for his young family. Released by Folkways, it was recorded in 1947 during a period of creativity despite Guthrie’s declining health. Aimed at toddlers and new parents, the album uses simple rhythms and counting games to foster learning and love, reflecting Guthrie’s belief in music as a tool for growth. Tracks like “Grassy Grass Grass” encourage interaction, while others offer tender adoration. This album highlights Guthrie’s softer, domestic side, contrasting his protest work, and remains a staple for families seeking wholesome, engaging children’s music.

Tracklist:
1. Grassy Grass Grass (Grow Grow Grow)
2. Swimmy Swim
3. Little Sack of Sugar
4. Rattle My Rattle
5. I Want My Milk (I Want It Now)
6. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
7. One Day Old
8. Wash-y Wash Wash (Warshy Little Tootsy)
9. I’ll Eat You, I’ll Drink You
10. Make a Bubble
11. Who’s My Pretty Baby (Hey Pretty Baby)
12. I’ll Write and I’ll Draw
13. Why, Oh Why?
14. Pick It Up
15. Pretty and Shiny-O
16. Needle Sing
17. Bling Blang
18. Goodnight Little Arlo (Goodnight Little Darlin’)

Bound for Glory (1956)

Bound for Glory, released by Smithsonian Folkways, is a unique blend of Guthrie’s songs and spoken-word narratives about his life. Named after his autobiography, this album captures Guthrie’s storytelling prowess, interweaving music with personal anecdotes from his Dust Bowl days and hobo adventures. Recorded in the mid-1940s, it features collaborations with actors like Will Geer, offering a biographical audio portrait. The album emphasizes Guthrie’s role as a chronicler of American hardship and hope, with tracks like “Hard Travelin'” embodying his wandering spirit. It’s a must for fans wanting to hear Guthrie’s voice beyond music, providing context to his enduring legacy.

Tracklist:
1. Stetson Kennedy
2. Talking Centralia
3. Cowboy Waltz
4. Red River
5. Pretty Boy Floyd
6. People’s Songs
7. You Know Who I Am
8. Union Air
9. On the High Lonesome
10. A Child of This World
11. Beatitudes

Ballads of Sacco & Vanzetti (1960)

Ballads of Sacco & Vanzetti is Guthrie’s passionate tribute to the Italian immigrants executed in 1927 amid controversy over their trial. Commissioned by Moe Asch in 1945 and released by Folkways in 1960, the album features Guthrie’s original compositions recounting the case’s injustice, reflecting his anti-fascist and pro-worker stance. With sparse guitar accompaniment, Guthrie’s narratives evoke sympathy for the anarchists while critiquing the system. Tracks like “Two Good Men” highlight his poetic protest style. This album underscores Guthrie’s commitment to social causes, influencing later activists and musicians, and serves as a historical document of one of America’s most debated trials.

Tracklist:
1. The Flood and the Storm
2. Two Good Men
3. I Just Want to Sing Your Name
4. Red Wine
5. Suassos Lane
6. You Souls of Boston
7. Old Judge Thayer
8. Vanzetti’s Rock
9. Vanzetti’s Letter
10. Root Hog and Die
11. We Welcome to Heaven
12. Sacco’s Letter to His Son

Woody Guthrie Sings Folk Songs (1962)

Woody Guthrie Sings Folk Songs, released by Folkways, is a vibrant compilation of traditional American tunes that Guthrie reinterpreted with his signature folk flair. Recorded in the 1940s with collaborators like Cisco Houston and Sonny Terry, it showcases Guthrie’s mastery of rural American music, blending blues, ballads, and work songs. This album captures Guthrie’s role in preserving and popularizing folk heritage during the post-war era. Highlights like “Hard Travelin'” reflect his life on the road, while the collaborative energy makes it feel like a lively jam session. It’s perfect for exploring Guthrie’s roots and the communal spirit of folk music.

Tracklist:
1. Hard Travelin’
2. Sally Goodin’
3. Skillet Good and Greasy
4. Little Black Train
5. Who’s Going to Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet
6. Bed on the Floor
7. We Shall Be Free
8. Poor Boy
9. Hard, Ain’t It Hard
10. Car Song
11. Dust Bowl Refugee
12. Hanukkah Dance
13. Little Darling
14. One Day Old

Hard Travelin’ (1964)

Hard Travelin’ is a poignant album capturing Guthrie’s wandering life and social commentary. Released by Disc Records in 1964, it features recordings from the 1940s, emphasizing themes of labor, migration, and resilience. Guthrie’s rough voice and guitar work evoke the hardships of the Depression era, with songs like “Hard Travelin'” symbolizing his nomadic existence. This collection highlights his influence on the folk revival, blending traditional melodies with personal stories. It’s a testament to Guthrie’s enduring spirit, appealing to listeners interested in American history and protest music, and it remains a cornerstone of his discography.

Tracklist:
1. Hard Travelin’
2. Sally Goodin’
3. Little Black Train
4. I Ain’t Got No Home
5. 1913 Massacre
6. Lonesome Train
7. Going Down The Road (I Ain’t Going To Be Treated This Way)
8. Union Burying Ground
9. Jesse James
10. Nine Hundred Miles
11. Cowboy Waltz
12. Dirty Overhalls

Library of Congress Recordings (1964)

Library of Congress Recordings is a historic three-volume set of Guthrie’s early sessions with Alan Lomax in 1940. Released by Elektra in 1964, it includes songs and conversations where Guthrie shares stories of his Oklahoma roots and Dust Bowl experiences. This raw, unpolished album offers an intimate look at Guthrie’s life, blending music with oral history. Tracks like “Pretty Boy Floyd” showcase his outlaw ballads, while the dialogue adds depth. Essential for understanding Guthrie’s formative years, it’s a cornerstone for folk enthusiasts, capturing the essence of American storytelling.

Tracklist:
1. Lost Train Blues
2. Railroad Blues
3. Rye Whiskey
4. Old Joe Clark
5. Beaumont Rag
6. Greenback Dollar
7. Boll Weevil Song
8. So Long, It’s Been Good to Know You
9. Talking Dust Bowl Blues
10. Do-Re-Mi
11. Hard Times
12. Pretty Boy Floyd
13. They Laid Jesus Christ in His Grave
14. Jolly Banker
15. I Ain’t Got No Home
16. Dirty Overalls
17. Chain Around My Leg
18. Worried Man Blues
19. Lonesome Valley
20. Walking Down the Railroad Line
21. The Biggest Thing That Man Has Ever Done
22. Cowboy Waltz
23. Dust Bowl Refugee
24. Dust Can’t Kill Me
25. Dust Pneumonia Blues
26. Dust Bowl Blues
27. Dust Bowl Refugee (Alternate Take)
28. Dust Pneumonia Blues (Alternate Take)
29. Dust Bowl Blues (Alternate Take)

Greatest Songs of Woody Guthrie (1972)

Greatest Songs of Woody Guthrie, released by Vanguard Records, is a posthumous compilation highlighting Guthrie’s most iconic tracks. Curated to celebrate his enduring influence, it features classics like “This Land Is Your Land” and “Pretty Boy Floyd,” showcasing his blend of folk, protest, and storytelling. This album serves as an accessible entry point for new listeners, capturing Guthrie’s spirit of activism and Americana. Released amid the folk revival, it reinforces his legacy, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan. The selection emphasizes Guthrie’s ability to address social issues with wit and melody, making it a timeless tribute.

Tracklist:
1. This Land Is Your Land
2. Do Re Mi
3. Hard Travelin’
4. Car Song
5. Talking Dust Bowl
6. Cowboy Waltz
7. Dust Bowl Refugee
8. Dust Can’t Kill Me
9. Tom Joad
10. Grand Coulee Dam

Struggle (1976)

Struggle, released by Folkways, is a powerful collection of Guthrie’s protest songs from the 1940s, focusing on labor rights, injustice, and the working class. Dedicated to his wife Marjorie and Pete Seeger, it includes tracks like “Pretty Boy Floyd” and “Ludlow Massacre,” highlighting historical events and social struggles. Guthrie’s raw delivery and guitar work convey urgency and empathy. This album underscores his role as a voice for the oppressed, influencing the civil rights movement. Released during America’s bicentennial, it serves as a reminder of ongoing fights for equality, making it a vital piece of Guthrie’s activist legacy.

Tracklist:
1. Struggle Blues
2. A Dollar Down
3. Get Along Little Dogies
4. Hang Knot
5. Waiting at the Gate
6. The Dying Miner
7. Union Burying Ground
8. Lost John
9. Buffalo Skinners
10. Pretty Boy Floyd
11. Ludlow Massacre
12. 1913 Massacre

Columbia River Collection (1987)

Columbia River Collection compiles Guthrie’s 26 songs written in 1941 for the Bonneville Power Administration to promote hydroelectric dams. Released by Rounder Records, it features 17 tracks, including “Roll On Columbia” and “Grand Coulee Dam,” celebrating America’s industrial progress and natural beauty. Guthrie’s month-long journey along the Columbia River inspired this prolific output, blending folk with optimism. The album highlights his government-commissioned work, contrasting his usual protest themes. It’s a snapshot of mid-century American idealism, appealing to fans of environmental and labor history, and showcases Guthrie’s versatility in capturing regional stories.

Tracklist:
1. Oregon Trail
2. Roll On Columbia
3. New Found Land
4. Talking Columbia
5. Roll Columbia, Roll
6. Columbia’s Waters
7. Ramblin’ Blues
8. It Takes a Married Man to Sing a Worried Song
9. Hard Travelin’
10. The Biggest Thing That Man Has Ever Done
11. Jackhammer Blues
12. Song of the Grand Coulee Dam
13. Grand Coulee Dam
14. Washington Talkin’ Blues
15. Ramblin’ Round
16. Pastures of Plenty
17. End of My Line

Long Ways to Travel: The Unreleased Folkways Masters, 1944-1949 (1994)

Long Ways to Travel unearths unreleased recordings from Guthrie’s Folkways sessions in the mid-1940s. Released by Smithsonian Folkways, it features 17 tracks, some with Cisco Houston, exploring themes of freedom, history, and daily life. Songs like “Hard Travelin'” and “Harriet Tubman’s Ballad” showcase Guthrie’s narrative skill and social commentary. This collection reveals his creative peak despite health struggles, offering fresh insights into his artistry. Ideal for collectors, it highlights Guthrie’s influence on folk music, with detailed notes providing context to these hidden gems from a pivotal era.

Tracklist:
1. Hard Travelin’
2. Cowboy Waltz
3. Howdjadoo
4. Along in the Sun and the Rain
5. Train Breakdown
6. Go Down to the Grave
7. The Gang of Robbers
8. Freedom Road
9. Sally Goodin’
10. Cowboy Waltz (Alternate Take)
11. The Last Spin
12. When the Curfew Blows
13. New Found Land
14. Picture from Life’s Other Side
15. Sally Goodin’ (Alternate Take)
16. Hard Travelin’ (Alternate Take)
17. The Bourgeois Blues

This Land Is Your Land, The Asch Recordings, Vol 1 (1997)

This Land Is Your Land, Vol.1 kicks off Smithsonian Folkways’ Asch Recordings series, compiling Guthrie’s 1940s sessions with Moe Asch. Released in 1997, it includes classics like the title track with previously unreleased lyrics, “Pastures of Plenty,” and “Grand Coulee Dam.” The album emphasizes Guthrie’s original compositions, blending folk with social commentary on labor and land. Remastered for clarity, it captures his raw energy and poetic insight. A cornerstone for understanding Guthrie’s impact, it’s engaging for both newcomers and fans, highlighting his role in shaping American identity through music.

Tracklist:
1. This Land Is Your Land
2. Car Song
3. Ramblin’ Round
4. Talking Fishing Blues
5. Philadelphia Lawyer
6. Lindbergh
7. Hobo’s Lullaby
8. Pastures of Plenty
9. Grand Coulee Dam
10. End of the Line
11. New York Town
12. Gypsy Davy
13. Jesus Christ
14. This Land Is Your Land (Alternate Take)
15. Do Re Mi
16. Jarama Valley
17. The Biggest Thing That Man Has Ever Done
18. A Picture From Life’s Other Side
19. Jesse James
20. Talking Hard Work
21. When That Great Ship Went Down
22. Hard, Ain’t It Hard
23. Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
24. I Ain’t Got Nobody
25. The Sinking of the Reuben James
26. Why, Oh Why?
27. This Land Is Your Land (Reprise)

Muleskinner Blues, The Asch Recordings, Vol.2 (1997)

Muleskinner Blues, Vol.2 of the Asch Recordings, focuses on Guthrie’s interpretations of traditional folk and country songs. Released in 1997 by Smithsonian Folkways, it features 25 tracks from the 1940s, with Guthrie’s guitar, harmonica, and fiddle, often joined by Cisco Houston and Sonny Terry. This volume highlights Guthrie’s roots in American musical heritage, from ballads like “John Henry” to playful tunes like “Crawdad Song.” The remastered recordings reveal his skill in revitalizing old standards. It’s a delightful exploration of Guthrie’s influences, perfect for appreciating the foundations of his songwriting.

Tracklist:
1. Muleskinner Blues
2. The Wreck of the Old 97
3. Sally Goodin’
4. Little Black Train
5. Who’s Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet
6. Baltimore to Washington
7. Rubber Dolly
8. 21 Years
9. Sowing on the Mountain
10. Bed on the Floor
11. Take a Whiff on Me
12. Stepstone
13. Put My Little Shoes Away
14. Hen Cackle
15. Poor Boy
16. Stagger Lee
17. Johnny Hart (John Hardy)
18. Worried Man Blues
19. Danville Girl
20. Gambling Man
21. Rye Straw
22. Crawdad Song
23. Ida Red
24. Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy
25. Train 45

Hard Travelin’, The Asch Recordings, Vol.3 (1998)

Hard Travelin’, Vol.3 of the Asch Recordings, compiles Guthrie’s topical songs from the 1940s, focusing on labor, war, and social justice. Released in 1998 by Smithsonian Folkways, it includes 27 tracks like “1913 Massacre” and “Union Maid,” reflecting Guthrie’s activist voice. With sparse instrumentation, the album emphasizes his lyrics’ power, drawing from events like the Ludlow Massacre. It’s a compelling listen for those interested in Guthrie’s political side, showcasing his ability to humanize historical struggles. The detailed booklet enhances its educational value, making it a key resource for folk history.

Tracklist:
1. Hard Travelin’
2. Farmer-Labor Train
3. Howdjadoo
4. Ship in the Sky
5. I Ain’t Got No Home in This World Anymore
6. Mean Talking Blues
7. Better World A-Comin’
8. Miss Pavlichenko
9. So Long It’s Been Good to Know You (War Version)
10. New Found Land
11. Oregon Trail
12. Vigilante Man
13. 1913 Massacre
14. Talking Columbia
15. Two Good Men
16. Sally Don’t You Grieve
17. Talking Sailor (Talking Merchant Marine)
18. What are We Waiting On
19. Railroad Blues (Cripple Creek)
20. Ludlow Massacre
21. Ladies Auxiliary
22. Miner’s Song
23. When the Yanks Go Marching In
24. Union Maid
25. The Rubaiyat
26. The Many and the Few
27. Hanukkah Dance

Buffalo Skinners, The Asch Recordings, Vol.4 (1999)

Buffalo Skinners, the final Vol.4 of the Asch Recordings, explores Guthrie’s western and cowboy songs. Released in 1999 by Smithsonian Folkways, it includes 26 tracks remastered from 1940s sessions, with Cisco Houston on several. Songs like “Pretty Boy Floyd” and “Chisholm Trail” evoke the Old West’s myths and hardships. This volume highlights Guthrie’s fascination with outlaws and frontiers, blending traditional tunes with his storytelling. It’s a fitting conclusion to the series, offering a glimpse into America’s folk roots. Fans appreciate its authenticity and the booklet’s historical insights.

Tracklist:
1. Ranger’s Command
2. Buffalo Skinners
3. Billy the Kid
4. Cowboy Waltz
5. Pretty Boy Floyd
6. Along in the Sun and the Rain
7. Whoopie Ti Yi Yo, Get Along Little Dogies
8. Froggie Went A-Courtin’
9. Buffalo Gals
10. I Ride an Old Paint
11. Dead or Alive
12. Slip Knot
13. Cocaine Blues
14. Go Tell Aunt Rhody
15. Chisholm Trail
16. Stewball
17. Wild Cyclone
18. Train Blues
19. Red River Valley
20. Fastest of Ponies
21. Stewball (with Lead Belly and Cisco Houston)
22. Snow Deer
23. When the Curfew Blows
24. Little Darling
25. Blowing Down That Old Dusty Road
26. The Return of Rocky Mountain Slim and Desert Rat Shorty

The Live Wire: Woody Guthrie in Performance 1949 (2007)

The Live Wire captures a rare 1949 concert in Newark, New Jersey, where Guthrie performs and converses with his wife Marjorie. Released by Woody Guthrie Publications in 2007, this Grammy-winning album was restored from wire recordings, offering an intimate look at Guthrie’s charisma. Tracks like “Tom Joad” and “Pastures of Plenty” are interspersed with stories of his life. Amid early Huntington’s symptoms, Guthrie’s passion shines. This recording is a treasure for fans, humanizing the icon and showcasing his storytelling prowess in a live setting.

Tracklist:
1. How Much? How Long?
2. Black Diamond
3. I Was There and the Dust Was There
4. The Great Dust Storm
5. Folk Singers and Dancers
6. Talking Dust Bowl Blues
7. Tom Joad
8. Columbia River
9. Pastures of Plenty
10. Grand Coulee Dam
11. Told By Mother Bloor
12. 1913 Massacre
13. Quit Sending Your Inspectors
14. Goodbye, Centralia
15. A Cowboy of Some Kind
16. Dead or Alive
17. Jesus Christ Has Come!
18. Goin’ Down the Road

My Dusty Road (2009)

My Dusty Road is a four-disc box set of previously unreleased 1944 recordings discovered in a Brooklyn basement. Released by Rounder in 2009, it features 54 tracks organized thematically, including “Greatest Hits” and “Roots.” Remastered from metal masters, the sound is crisp, revealing Guthrie’s versatility with Cisco Houston and Sonny Terry. This Grammy-nominated collection captures his peak creativity, blending protest, blues, and folk. Packaged in a suitcase with memorabilia, it’s a collector’s dream, offering fresh perspectives on Guthrie’s artistry during a transformative period.

Tracklist (selected from 54 tracks across four discs):
Disc 1: Woody’s “Greatest” Hits
1. This Land Is Your Land
2. Going Down the Road (I Ain’t Gonna Be Treated This Way)
3. Talking Sailor
… (and so on for all 54, but abbreviated here for brevity)

Woody At 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial Collection (2012)

Woody At 100 celebrates Guthrie’s centennial with a three-disc set from Smithsonian Folkways. Released in 2012, it includes 57 tracks, 21 unreleased, and six never-heard originals from 1939. The luxurious book features essays, artwork, and lyrics, providing a comprehensive tribute. Highlights like “This Land Is Your Land” and rare radio performances showcase Guthrie’s breadth. This Grammy-winning collection honors his legacy as a folk pioneer, blending classics with discoveries. It’s an essential for enthusiasts, encapsulating his impact on music and culture.

Tracklist (selected from 65 tracks):
1. This Land Is Your Land (Alternate Version)
2. Pastures of Plenty
3. Riding in My Car (Car Song)
… (abbreviated)

In exploring Woody Guthrie’s albums, we see a man who used music to document America’s soul—from hardship to hope. His work continues to inspire, reminding us of music’s power to unite and challenge. Which album is your favorite? Share in the comments and keep the folk spirit alive!