Bruce Springsteen announced as recipient of 2021 Woody Guthrie prize

Bruce Springsteen has been awarded the 2021 Woody Guthrie prize, and will be accepting the gong at a virtual event later this month.

The prize, given out annually by the Woody Guthrie Center, is given to an artist who reflects Guthrie's spirit by showing themselves to be “a champion for the voiceless with an understanding of how a platform can be used to shine a light on our world, showing us what needs to be fixed and how to fix it.”

The late folk icon has long been an important influence for Springsteen, whose song 'The Ghost of Tom Joad' was directly inspired by Guthrie's 'The Ballad of Tom Joad'. Springsteen also covers several of Guthrie's songs, including 'This Land Is Your Land' and 'I Ain't Got No Home' at his live sets.

“I’m honored to receive the 2021 Woody Guthrie Prize," Springsteen said. "Woody wrote some of the greatest songs about America’s struggle to live up its ideals in convincing fashion. He is one of my most important influences and inspirations.”

Springsteen joins the likes of Joan Baez and Mavis Staples, who have both been recipients of the award since it started in 2014.