Bette Midler sings protest classic for Woody Guthrie Prize
When it comes to protest music, sometimes the most powerful voices aren’t found in courtrooms, but in the strumming of a beat-up guitar. That is the profound message Bette Midler shared recently as she accepted the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize, demonstrating why art remains such a potent force for change.
Midler took the stage at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 16 to perform her updated rendition of Woody Guthrie’s classic protest song, “All You Fascists (Bound to Lose).” But this was more than just a performance; it was a deep dive into the current struggle for justice.
In accepting the award, Midler offered a perspective that cut straight to the heart of the matter. She stated that justice rarely arrives via the legal system alone, noting, “Justice doesn’t always come from the courthouse. Sometimes the law is late, overdressed, and on the wrong side. Justice comes from a beat-up guitar instead…”
She explained that she infused Guthrie’s original work with her own contemporary experience, rewriting the lyrics to reflect the current era. “The old fights always come back in new suits,” she remarked, highlighting the enduring nature of social conflict.
Midler’s contribution extended beyond her performance. She had collaborated with Eric Kornfeld to craft her version and executive produced the accompanying video, which featured cameos from stars like Barbara Hershey and David Hyde Pierce. The visual storytelling brought the protest message to life, capturing the spirit of resistance.
The video, directed by Toni Basil and Seanne Farmer, released in April, accompanied Midler’s message about singing out, served as a powerful visual anchor for her protest. It reminded audiences that there is a responsibility to speak up and act, regardless of the immediate circumstances.
Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter, Anna Canoni, described Midler as someone who successfully brought Woody’s spirit back into the fight for democracy and humanity. She celebrated Midler for embodying the courage to turn convictions into meaningful action, underscoring that the prize recognizes contributions that extend far beyond mere creative achievement.
The Woody Guthrie Prize honors artists who recognize that music is a force capable of driving social change. The award celebrates those who demonstrate the determination to speak truth to power, mirroring Guthrie’s lifelong belief that art can and must be a tool for social justice.
Midler, now 80, has built a remarkable career marked by numerous accolades, including multiple Grammys, Primetime Emmys, and a Tony Award. Her work continues to remind us that the most resonant protest songs are those that speak directly to the shared experience of humanity.
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