This year marks the centennial of the birth of American folk icon Woody Guthrie, on July 14, 1912. To honor and pay tribute to Guthrie’s songs for children, Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower, made up of her husband Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey, have released Little Seed.
Little Seed features Liz’s beautiful versions of Grassy, Grass, Grass, Riding in My Car and This Land is Your Land, Guthrie’s signature anthem. Joined by their friends, including Amy Helm, daughter of the late and great Levon Helm, and Ruthy Unger of Mike and Ruthy, this album is everything You Are My Flower fans have come to love about the band—Liz’s soothing and beautiful voice, Daniel’s quiet, harmonious guitar and the sweet sound of their daughter Storey joining them on vocals, harmonica and more. Fans will know the five previously-released tracks and enjoy the eight new recordings. Releasing on Smithsonian Folkways on July 10, this is Liz’s third album with the label and one of my new favorites.
I’ve had the personal pleasure of knowing Liz, Daniel and Storey for about five years now and, while I was a fan before, knowing them has made me love their music even more. They love what they do, are inspiring and offer really good folk music for families.
Today Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower will be on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” singing one or two of Woody’s songs from their new album Little Seed.
Little Seed will release on July 10, but you can listen to “Bling Blang” and “This Land Is Your Land” right here.