Dust girl

Suggested Playlist

Nothing tells the story of a time and place like music. So when the story for Dust Girl began to take shape, I went to the music of the 1930s, the Dust Bowl, and the Depression for insight and inspiration. Below is a partial list of songs and ballads I drew on to help Callie and Jack on their way.

“Dance a Little Longer,” words by Woody Guthrie, music by Joel Rafael

“Do Re Mi,” words and music by Woody Guthrie

“Drill, Ye Tarriers, Drill,” attributed to Thomas Casey (lyrics) and Charles Connolly (music)

“Dust Bowl Refugee,” words and music by Woody Guthrie

“Dust Pneumonia Blues,” words and music by Woody Guthrie

“Going Down the Road Feelin’ Bad,” words and music by Woody Guthrie and Lee Hays

“Hard Travelin’,” words and music by Woody Guthrie

“I Ain’t Got No Home,” words and music by Woody Guthrie

“Little Black Train,” words and music adaptation by Woody Guthrie

“The Midnight Special” (traditional), sung by Huddie Ledbetter to John and Alan Lomax, 1934

“My Oklahoma Home (It Blowed Away),” words and music by Sis Cunningham

“Rock Island Line” (traditional), collected by John and Alan Lomax

“St. James Infirmary Blues” (traditional), recorded by multiple artists

“So Long, It’s Been Good to Know Yuh,” words and music by Woody Guthrie

“Take This Hammer” (traditional), collected by John and Alan Lomax

“This Land Is Your Land,” words and music by Woody Guthrie

“This Train Is Bound for Glory,” new words and music adaptation by Woody Guthrie

“Tom Joad,” words and music by Woody Guthrie

“Vigilante Man,” words and music by Woody Guthrie