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Goodwell, Okla. - Tom Lewis grew up listening to his grandfather, Bob Kier, sing Woody Guthrie’s “Do Re Mi.” That Dust Bowl ballad and his family’s familiarity with Guthrie led him to become a lifelong enthusiast of the prolific songwriter. This past July, Lewis, an OPSU English instructor, was honored to present a program at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival held in Okemah, the artist’s hometown. The annual international folk music event is held by the Woody Guthrie Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy and music of the talented lyricist.

For 15 years, Lewis has researched Guthrie and has developed of series of talks for the Kansas Humanities Council as well as the Smithsonian America’s Roots Music Exhibit. In Okemah, Tom used a PowerPoint presentation with an audio accompaniment to discuss some of the important influences on Woody’s music. For instance, the musician imitated the sound railroad workers played on their harmonicas and taught himself to play that instrument. His influences included the earliest folk and country music recorded by the Carter family and Jimmie Rodgers and his role as a father inspired him to create songs for children.

Guthrie’s legacy includes over 3,000 song lyrics, many of which have been set to music by other musicians. His most well-known song, “This Land is Your Land,” is considered an alternative national anthem. Bob Dylan imitated Guthrie in his act, and even recorded an album as a tribute to Guthrie and Leadbelly.

Woody’s youngest sister and only surviving sibling, Mary Jo Guthrie Edgmon, attended the presentation and showed her appreciation to Tom by giving him one of her folk art prints. He had the opportunity to visit with her at length during the Festival and has added many stories of the pair growing up to his presentation.

Lewis teaches a variety of English classes at OPSU including British Literature, Technical Writing, Shakespeare, and a popular character development and writing class for those creating computer games. Not only does he provide excellent instruction, he serves and educates the community he lives in through his speaking engagements and also continues his own education.