The Woody Guthrie Prize recognizes artists who carry the Oklahoma native’s belief that music can be a force for good.
Friday night’s celebration included a silent auction featuring a signed ukulele from Midler’s own collection, a signed lithograph from Bob Dylan, and tickets for one of Garth Brooks’ upcoming shows in Tulsa.
During the event, Midler gave a surprise performance of Guthrie’s 1940 song “All You Fascists (Bound to Lose). She was also joined by country musician Bryan Andrews.
“Justice doesn’t always come from the courthouse. Sometimes the law is late, overdressed, and on the wrong side. Justice comes from a beat-up guitar instead… So, when I wanted to say something about what I was seeing going on today, I took his [Woody’s] song, and I put new words in its mouth, because the old fights came back in new suits. They always do.”
