Guthrie Bloodline

So I'm interviewing Johnny Irion and Sarah Lee Guthrie today at four. I'm sure they've heard enough talk about Sarah Lee's blood line. But one of the two of you who read this may not be familiar with her blood line. So here's a little info.

Sarah Lee's Dad was Arlo Guthrie who made famous the Group W Bench in Alice's Restaurant....the song that went on forever and many hippies in the 60's made a point to memorize. Word for word. Having older siblings I heard my brother's rendition probably before I could walk. (In my head I can still hear him singing the Motorcycle Song from that same album...I don't want a pickle...just want to ride on my motorcycle.) One of the first songs I learned on guitar was Alice's restaurant...the part that Arlo sang. He talked through most of the song. The story was really interesting....Alice didn't live in the restaurant, she lived in a church nearby the restaurant in the bell tower.....you see they didn't take out their trash... The saga continues for what seemed like hours, great hours, but I think it was just 18 minutes. (Okay. I could look that up but I'm not. If you're reading this blog, let me know by posting it in a comment. How long was that song? Are you one of the ones who memorized it?)

Her Granddad was Woody Guthrie. Are you familiar with the song This Land Is Your Land??? He penned that. Not too shabby. He also wrote Union Maid. Union Maid was recorded recently by the Old Crowe Medicine Show. He wrote Deportee as well. That tune has been recorded by The Old Crowe Medicine Show, Billy Bragg, and Richard Shindell just to name a few. Roll On Columbia was written by Woody as well. Acoustic Syndicate has a nice rendition of that tune.

Now you know a little of what Sarah Lee knows and probably doesn't care to have repeated every time she's interviewed. So, I'm going to spare her. I'm going to talk about her and Johnny Irion. They have a career of their own. You can check out their website: http://www.sarahleeandjohnny.com/. They have links to Arlo's site and Woody's site.

Okay.

1)So how long was Alice's Restaurant?

2)Did you memorize it?

3)Did you listen to someone else recite it to you over and over?

Give me your answers in a comment.

My answers are: 1 obviously i don't know - 18 minutes is my guess 2 yes 3 yes

Have a great Easter. Go listen to some live music. Sing with the crowd at church.

Do something. Life is not to be wasted.

Nancy