Woody Guthrie's Fertile Month on the Columbia River

In May 1941, folk singer Woody Guthrie spent one month working for the federal government. His job was to travel to the Pacific Northwest and write songs promoting huge hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River.The government faced powerful opposition from private utilities and hoped that folk songs would prompt more public support.

Out of this month of work came some of Guthrie's best-known songs.

LINK (via: NPR Music)