Marjorie Mazia Guthrie: Her Impact on Woody Guthrie’s Music and Legacy

Marjorie Mazia Guthrie, born in 1918, was a prominent dancer and a significant influence on iconic folk musician Woody Guthrie. Their relationship, which began in the early 1940s, not only produced four children, but also led to a rich partnership in which they collaborated on several themes, including Jewish poetry. This article delves into her impact on Woody Guthrie's music, their personal journey, and the lasting legacy of their work.

Meeting and Relationship

Marjorie was not just Woody Guthrie’s second wife; she was also his wife and the mother of four of his eight children, including the renowned folk musician Arlo Guthrie. Before their marriage, Marjorie was part of the celebrated Martha Graham Dance Company, where her talent as a dancer was recognized and admired. Their meeting took place in 1940, when Marjorie used some of Woody's music in a dance she choreographed. However, Woody was still married to his first wife, Mary, at the time. They eventually divorced in 1943, paving the way for their marriage in 1945.

Their partnership was more than a personal one; it was also professional. Woody Guthrie, while known for his spontaneous and unique music, initially struggled with dancers who couldn't keep up with his live performances. Woody's live versions of his tunes often deviated from his recorded versions, leading to a lack of synchronization. This challenge was addressed when Marjorie taught Woody to play in time, ensuring that dancers could perform in harmony with his music. Out of this partnership came four children—Arlo, Beth, Kate, and Nora—each contributing to the family's rich musical legacy.

Collaboration and Legacy

One of the notable collaborations between Marjorie and Woody was their joint work on Jewish-themed poetry. They shared a deep passion for Jewish culture and tradition, which led to the creation of several poems, including "Honeyky Hanukah Time," a beloved Hanukkah song:

Honeyky Hanukah shaky my hand
My candles are burning all over this land
To light the dark road for the man passing by

Honeyky Hanukah kissy my cheek

The light in my window it burns for a week
I'll open my present and take a little peek

Honeyky Hanukah time.

This poem, written in the 1940s and 1950s, was a testament to their shared artistic vision and their commitment to preserving Jewish heritage through music and poetry. Years later, in 2003, Marjorie's daughter Nora Guthrie adapted these poems into a musical concert called "Holy Ground: The Jewish Songs of Woody Guthrie." A klezmer band called The Klezmatics performed these songs, bringing Woody Guthrie's Jewish poetry to a new audience and celebrating the family's legacy.

Advocacy for Huntington's Disease Awareness

Marjorie's personal battles with Huntington's disease, an incurable genetic disorder, played a significant role in her advocacy work. This condition, which had a tragic impact on the Guthrie family, not only ended Woody’s life prematurely at the age of 55 but also took the lives of Woody’s two oldest daughters, Gwendolyn and Sue, in their 40s. Despite not inheriting the disease, Marjorie was the driving force behind the creation of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA).

Her activism and dedication to raising awareness about Huntington's disease began in the 1970s and continued until her own passing in 1983. During this time, Marjorie worked tirelessly to educate the public, seek research funding, and provide support to those affected by the condition. Her efforts have had a lasting impact, with the HDSA now serving as a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families facing Huntington's disease.

Conclusion

Marjorie Mazia Guthrie was more than just Woody Guthrie’s second wife; she was a remarkable artist and advocate who left an indelible mark on his music and her family's legacy. From teaching him to play in a way that syncs perfectly with dance to collaborating on Jewish-themed poetry and advocating for Huntington's disease awareness, Marjorie's contributions to Woody Guthrie’s life and work were profound. Her legacy continues to inspire and educate about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, the impact of family, and the courage to advocate for those facing challenging medical conditions.