Woody Guthrie at 100! Live at the Kennedy Center

Woody Guthrie at 100! Live at the Kennedy Center is a vibrant concert film that pays unadulterated homage to the legacy of Woody Guthrie, one of the most influential American folk musicians and songwriters of all time. Released in 2013, the film was directed by four-time Emmy winning filmmaker Jim Brown. It is packed with the memorable live performances at the esteemed Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., celebrating the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie.

The movie features singing sensations John Mellencamp and Jackson Browne, among many others. They breathe life into Guthrie's legendary work, paying tribute to his extraordinary contribution to American folk music with their distinct renditions of his timeless songs.

John Mellencamp, a Grammy-winning rock singer-songwriter, pours his heart into the songs with his distinctive, raspy voice. His unique style of heartland rock imbued with folk, blends effortlessly into Guthrie's songs. On the other hand, Jackson Browne, known best for writing and performing some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music, lends his own melody-driven style to Guthrie's classic tunes, creating a gentle fusion between present and past eras.

The event isn't just a tribute concert; it's a heartfelt celebration of Guthrie's music, message, and spirit. The film goes beyond performances as it intertwines artist interviews, historical analysis and documentary-style storytelling, exhibiting not only the influence of Guthrie's music on these artists but also its profound influence on American music as a whole. It pays homage to Guthrie's social activism and his commitment to speaking up for the poor, the displaced, and the downtrodden through his music.

The film has a running time of approximately 90 minutes, presenting a seamless transition of music, words, and visuals. The cinematography aptly captures the undercurrent of emotions flowing through the concert, the artists, and the audience. It indeed is an emotional ride not only for the fans of Woody Guthrie but for all music lovers, resonating the universality of Guthrie's lyrics and music.

The film also boasts an impressive line-up of other artists such as the Grammy Award-winning country musician Rosanne Cash, iconic folk-rock singer Ani DiFranco, and the legendary American roots musician Ry Cooder, among others. Each artist brings their own unique style and interpretive skills to Guthrie's songs, celebrating his repertoire in myriad hues and tones.

Another notable feature of the film is the insightful narration by actor Jeff Daniels. His narration adds depth to the event, guiding the audience through the legacy of Woody Guthrie while providing a profound contextualisation of his music, his aspirations, and his spirit that continues to inspire countless artists and music lovers around the world.

The film successfully weaves together a rich tapestry of songs, history and storytelling, creating a moving tribute to an iconic figure in the echelons of American folk music. It delivers a touching homage not just to the music of Woody Guthrie but also to his enduring spirit – a spirit that sang of struggles, hopes, dreams, and the raw human desire for equality and justice. Woody Guthrie at 100! Live at The Kennedy Center transports audiences back to the roots of American folk music while simultaneously thrusting them into the heart of its contemporary relevance.

Moreover, it's a unique platform for artists of multiple generations to come together and reinterpret Guthrie's music while remaining true to its essence. This creation brings together an undeniable synergy as performers reinvent the melodies and rhythms of one of folk music's greatest contributors.

Overall, Woody Guthrie at 100! Live at The Kennedy Center is a beautiful intertwining of music, history, politics, and passionate performances. It's the perfect homage to Woody Guthrie's hundredth birthday, showcasing the indelible imprint he left on American music. It will leave you deeply stirred, humming Guthrie's tunes and pondering over the relevance of his words - the words that continue to reverberate through time, resonating with people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.