WASHINGTON, June 27 /PRNewswire/
Legendary folk musicians whose songs reflected the heart and soul of America were honored yesterday evening by the U.S. Postal Service with the issuance of four new postage stamps at a special concert at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall.The Folk Musicians stamps, which feature Woody Guthrie, Sonny Terry, Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter, and Josh White, are available starting today at the nation's post offices. Performing at the concert were Woody's son, Arlo, and Josh White's son, Josh Jr.; along with Toshi Reagon and the Willie Foster Blues Band.
"The Postal Service is proud to honor four unsung heroes of our musical heritage with the issuance of the Folk Musicians stamps," said Postmaster General William J. Henderson, who dedicated the stamps. "Whether you hear it on tape, compact disc or vinyl, music continues to be an art form enjoyed throughout the world."
Joining Henderson at the dedication ceremony were Anthony Seeger, curator & director, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, and family members of the stamp honorees, including Arlo Guthrie and Josh White Jr. who performed during the two-hour concert. Also performing were Toshi Reagon and the Willie Foster Blues Band.
The 32-cent Folk Musicians stamps were designed by veteran stamp art director Howard Paine of Delaplane, Va., and illustrated by Bernie Fuchs of Westport, Conn. Fuchs has received more than 100 awards for his artwork and was commissioned to do portraits of Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan.
Woody Guthrie (1912-1967), perhaps the most famous folk singer of all time, is credited with writing about 1,000 songs. His best- known song, "This Land is Your Land," has become to many of his fans the unofficial national anthem of America. Guthrie was inspired to write the song following his travels throughout the U.S. during the Great Depression. The song reflects his progressive and populist vision, and encompasses a theme of hope that is not often found in many of his compositions.
Sonny Terry (1911-1986), a harmonica player who was also blind, advanced the art of harp accompaniment. His harp produced an astounding variety of sounds. One of Terry's most memorable renditions is of the "Fox Chase," a traditional, pre-blues, programmatic piece.
Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter (1888-1949) was an influential guitarist, singer and songwriter from Louisiana. Called "The King of the 12-string Guitar," Ledbetter drew upon the breadth of southern black American music as it emerged during the later years of Reconstruction. His works included blues, country dance tunes, spirituals and work songs, but it was a sentimental song, "Goodnight, Irene," that caught the nation's attention in 1950.
Josh White (1908-1969) played the New York City club scene in the '40s, performing his wide-ranging repertoire of folk songs and blues, accompanied by a crisp guitar style. Interest in his music hit a high point when he performed at the White House for President Roosevelt and his family. A favorite song of White's was "Careless Love," one of the best known ballads of the time.
The Legends of American Music series began in 1993 with the issuance of 15 stamps in three categories: Rock & Roll/Rhythm & Blues, Country & Western and Broadway Musicals. This year, the Folk Musicians stamps and the Gospel Singers stamps, which will be issued July 15 in New Orleans, La., continue the tradition.
For more information and graphic images of these stamps, visit the Postal Service Web site.
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