The spirit of Woody Guthrie, the working-class troubadour who popularized the struggles of poor and working people in ballad and song, was heard again Sept. 22 in Berkeley, Calif., during the CD release concert of “Redd” Welsh, a local San Francisco Bay Area activist. Performing his original music on the piano, Welsh (whose real first name is Dave) brought the people’s struggles up-to-date. In his own rhythm and blues style, Welsh belted out songs about the 21st century lives of the workers and oppressed from his new CD, “Stand with the People.”
The walls of the Berkeley Fellowship Hall rocked with the lyrics of such songs as “You can steal $26” and “Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains).” His songs are a strong protest against a system that sends someone away to jail for stealing food to feed a family while bankers steal billions in bank bailouts.
Welsh’s music challenges working people to fight back against this unjust, racist, capitalist system. In “Who Are the Terrorists in this World?” this local working-class singer points the finger at the real murderers and plunderers — the U.S. imperialist system.
Welsh is a retired postal worker and tireless activist who is spearheading local efforts to “Save the People’s Post Office.” Like Guthrie, Welsh is wherever working people are “fighting for their lives” in the Bay Area. For CDs, the complete lyrics and more information, check out www.reddwelsh.com
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