Ashes to Hot Dogs: Woody Guthrie’s Final Repose

May 16, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Nora, Joady , Woody and Arlo Guthrie -Coney Island 1951/ courtesy of Woody Guthrie Publications

After Woody Guthrie passed away in 1967, his family committed his ashes to the ocean at the beach in Coney Island. Nora Guthrie shared her feelings and reflections about that day with Brooklyn Roads.

“It was a pretty unusual day as we all improvised our way through the experience,” Guthrie said. “Not being brought up in any particular religion, we really didn’t have a plan, a regime. So, we brought my father’s ashes out to Coney Island, to the spot on the beach where we always spent our days. We wanted to throw the ashes in the ocean there, without any further ceremony.”

“It was a pretty windy day and we had a lot of trouble with the can of ashes, as it kept floating back to the shore after a few attempts,” Guthrie went on. “It could have been a Seinfeld tragic-comedy! Anyway, we finally succeeded and not really knowing if we were supposed to say anything, sing something, or have a moment of silence, my brother Joady finally asked my mom what we were supposed to do. What with all the powerful feelings, and memories, she must have been experiencing at that moment, as we looked to her for some guidance and direction, all she could do was tearfully suggest, ‘Woody would want us to go to Nathan’s.’ So, that’s what we did. We sat on the pavement, with our backs up against the wall, and quietly ate our hot dogs, fries and root beers, just as we always had done with my dad.”

“Since then, it’s always remained a somewhat spiritual experience for me to go to Nathan’s! I love that place. That’s another thing I learned that day. WE fill each or every moment, each or every object, with our love. And even a hot dog can become a powerful symbol, and memory, of great love.”

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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