Arlo Guthrie’s most famous moment was performing his satirical "Alice’s Restaurant" at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival. The song was later the basis for a film of the same name that starred Guthrie. Guthrie is also famous as the son of Woody Guthrie, who wrote dozens of folk music standards. He was involved in many social causes and died in 1967. Arlo Guthrie follows in his father’s footsteps by recording, touring nine months a year, and being active in social issues. His most recent release is More Together Again, with Pete Seeger (Rising Son Records, March 1994).
"Alice’s Restaurant" celebrated a church-turned-refuge for disaffected youth. Recently, Guthrie and others bought it. Located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, it houses Guthrie’s record company, Rising Son Records, production equipment, the Guthrie Foundation, and the Guthrie Center at Alice’s Church.
In his mid-40s, Guthrie’s health is good. His father died of Huntington’s Chorea, a rare brain disease that results in deterioration of speech and mental capacities and for which there is no treatment. It is hereditary and usually ends with total incapacitation. Guthrie remains up-beat: "I’m happy. I’m healthy. I’m at that age where no one knows what’s going to happen. I hope I’m living so that no matter what happens I’ll be doing the same thing." —Arthur P. Boers
Arthur Boers: What kinds of things does the Guthrie Foundation do?
Arlo Guthrie: We work with abused kids, AIDS babies, AIDS men and women, HIV-positive people and their caregivers, families, loved ones. We’ve been visiting hospices, hospitals, and private homes, just trying to help where needed. We travel every three months to Los Angeles and meet with more than 500 people who deal directly with AIDS. We’re supporting in both a financial way and a very personal way a couple of dozen organizations around the country.
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