John McCutcheon 'Deportee (Plane Wreck At Los Gatos)' (Woody Guthrie) @ Eddie Owen Presents

Recorded live @ Red Clay Music Foundry 7/16/16

Executive Producer: Eddie Owen
Producer: Corey Giessen
Audio Engineer: Shalom Aberle
Lights & Video: Corey Giessen
Editing: Corey Giessen

#LifeIsInTheSong

[christinafajardo]

I am watching this for the first time on January 28, 2025. Crying. This is happening again in our country. I am so sad.

[erichayes]

My father is Martin Hoffman, he wrote the music for this poem by Woody Guthrie. My name is Hedy Streiff. Thank you for so beautifully telling the story and singing the song.

[greenhurst]

This is by far the most moving rendition of this song I've ever heard...I completely lost it when the names started being read. What a beautiful tribute!

[francismcginty]

I am a 50 year old Irishman who lives in Australia now and my Aunty sang this song to me when i was literally a baby and I remember every word of nearly every version of this song but without your endeavour would never have known the names of those who inspired this ballad and with no shame this made me cry it is finally settled that those who rode that big aeroplane have finally rested neath the topsoil and now have names except deportees!

[Batmo]

Sobbing to this song while making my son’s birthday bags for classroom it’s so fucking crazy.

[brianjennings]

In the early 70's, my old Mexican nextdoor neighbor showed me photos of his unkle..who died on the plane.
Iv sung this song 50 yrs.
And racists really don't enjoy engaging in convo with me...ever.
Excellent performance.
( Gonzalez was his Tio's last name...and You just spoke it..)
Thank you.

[paulmcgrory]

A great poet wrote a song and kept their souls alive for sixty years. Their souls are at rest now. We know their names.

[daveboyt]

Thank you for this presentation-- one of the best, but would like to have heard the last verse. The introduction and inclusion of the names really brought it to life. Woody Guthrie would have loved it.

[victoriacross]

John is a gift. He's one of the most amazing musicians -- but also one of the keepers of "the book" of American folk music. His musicianship is wonderful -- his "process" is wonderful -- his heart is greater than the sky. Love to him.

[DUMBLIESCOM]

Wonderful version - I appreciate the dignity that you brought to this story.

[erichayes]

My wife, Hedy Streiff, made my former comment. I allowed her to use my account to make it. Woodie Guthrie sought out her father, Martin Hoffman, to make the music to go with the poetry in this song. Everyone should listen to this.

[maniyan_wanagi]

Thank you so much, Mr. McCutcheon. I've never heard the story told better. I will call you mi hermano.

[deborahriley]

Hearing the names is heart wrenching but healing, too. Now each and everyone is a person and not just a dry leaf.

[chaos-nomas]

I am singing this song in our community theater's performances of Woody Guthrie's"American Song". I pray I can do it the justice it deserves!

[PaulSmith-tvdp]

John tells a great story, makes one feel very humble.

[cathyccourtney]

Revisiting this classic Woody Guthrie ♪ during this crazy making time #47 Felon-in-Charge destructive mass deportations 1/27/25, It's a GodThang I remembered the event was January 28 ♥ RIP & Thank you John McCutheon & Woody Guthrie. ♥ always

[melindashannon]

I was at this show. Like many songs written or sung by JM, it made my cry.

[kenb]

I've sung this song for 50 years and never heard John's full story of his research. Thanks!

[roisinniloirgneain]

Stunning and so very moving. The names! How right!

[suzannephelan]

Excellent version....so true, so beautiful...