“Old Man Trump” was written 70 years ago in 1954 but never recorded by American folk singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie. Guthrie is best known for his song “This Land Is Your Land”, one of the United States’ most famous folk songs. The song is about the racist housing practices of Guthrie’s landlord, Fred Trump, father of former president Donald Trump.
In 1950, Woody Guthrie signed a lease at a public housing complex, named Beach Haven, operated by Fred Trump. Beach Haven was almost exclusively white, and Trump actively sought to keep black tenants and visitors out. It is said that Guthrie found this out when he invited fellow musician Sonny Terry over to his apartment and Sonny was denied entrance.
In 1973, the U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division sued the Trump Organization, including Fred and Donald Trump, for “substantial impediment to the full enjoyment and equal opportunity” at the complex and accused him of not wanting to rent to black people.
This is my tenor guitar/baritone ukulele cover of the song. Instrument: 2019 Pono Pro Classic BN4-1 Solid Acacia Tenor Guitar (or a big baritone ukulele). My videos are for practice and feedback, and for sharing my interpretation of the beautiful music others have created.