In 1950 Woody Guthrie signed his first catalog publishing contract with a new startup, TRO (The Richmond Organization), founded by Howie Richmond. Woody had written many of his lyrics before he signed with TRO. In his typed lyric sheets, he included quips, notes, signatures, dates and location where the song was written or inspired. In his tapes, recorded alone at home with his guitar and a single mic reel to reel tape recorder Howie had sent him, he prepared demos to submit offering more backstory, asking questions and offering dim hints and vague suggestions for how to sing the song.   

One of the most prolific songwriters of his era, these archives provide a never before seen look into Woody's process as a songwriter and his incredible output. All photos courtesy Sabrina Asch Photography. All rights reserved and copyrighted 2025.