Will Kaufman: American Song and Struggle
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Join us at the Woody Guthrie Center on Wednesday, Nov. 18, for an evening with internationally acclaimed musical scholar Will Kaufman as he discusses his newest book, the second in his “American Song and Struggle” series.
Through decades of music spanning folk, rock, jazz, country, hip-hop, Indigenous traditions, immigrant songs and more, Kaufman explores how Americans have used song to respond to the defining challenges of their times, from war and civil rights to labor, environmental justice and democracy itself.
Drawing on the same thoughtful scholarship that made his first volume an award-winning work of music history, Kaufman demonstrates how songs have long served as a record of struggle, resilience and hope. The evening will examine the enduring relationship between music and social change, offering fresh insights into the artists and movements that have shaped the American story.
Following the presentation, Kaufman will answer audience questions and sign copies of the book.
Details:
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026
Doors: 6 p.m. CT
Show Start: 6:30 p.m. CT
Woody Guthrie Center
102 E. Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103
Tickets:
Free for Woody Guthrie Center members
$5 general public
About Will Kaufman:
Will Kaufman is an Emeritus Professor of American Cultural History and is widely recognized as the world’s leading authority on Woody Guthrie. He is the author of numerous books on Guthrie and American music, including the award-winning “American Song and Struggle from Columbus to World War II,” “Woody Guthrie, American Radical,” “Woody Guthrie’s Modern World Blues” and “Mapping Woody Guthrie.”
Through decades of music spanning folk, rock, jazz, country, hip-hop, Indigenous traditions, immigrant songs and more, Kaufman explores how Americans have used song to respond to the defining challenges of their times, from war and civil rights to labor, environmental justice and democracy itself.
Drawing on the same thoughtful scholarship that made his first volume an award-winning work of music history, Kaufman demonstrates how songs have long served as a record of struggle, resilience and hope. The evening will examine the enduring relationship between music and social change, offering fresh insights into the artists and movements that have shaped the American story.
Following the presentation, Kaufman will answer audience questions and sign copies of the book.
Details:
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026
Doors: 6 p.m. CT
Show Start: 6:30 p.m. CT
Woody Guthrie Center
102 E. Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103
Tickets:
Free for Woody Guthrie Center members
$5 general public
About Will Kaufman:
Will Kaufman is an Emeritus Professor of American Cultural History and is widely recognized as the world’s leading authority on Woody Guthrie. He is the author of numerous books on Guthrie and American music, including the award-winning “American Song and Struggle from Columbus to World War II,” “Woody Guthrie, American Radical,” “Woody Guthrie’s Modern World Blues” and “Mapping Woody Guthrie.”
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Where is it happening?
102 E Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK, United States, Oklahoma 74103
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherWoody Guthrie Center
