Bette Midler Accepts Woody Guthrie Prize with Protest Song in Tulsa

Key points

• Midler performed a modernized version of 'All You Fascists (Bound to Lose)' while wearing a T-shirt with the song title.
• The 2026 prize follows U2 (2025) and Tom Morello (2024) in a series honoring artists who use their platform for social justice.
• Midler collaborated with Eric Kornfeld to update the lyrics, releasing the video in April with cameos from Barbara Hershey and David Hyde Pierce.
• The event included a silent auction with a signed ukulele from Midler and a Bob Dylan lithograph, raising funds for the Woody Guthrie Center.
• Midler was interviewed by music journalist Rona Elliot, who has served on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board for 15 years.

Background

The Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa annually honors artists who reflect Guthrie’s belief in music as a force for social change. Recent recipients include U2 and Tom Morello. Midler, who has won three Grammys, three Emmys, and a Tony, was previously inducted into the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021, though Billboard noted that President Trump has since struck potential honorees he deemed 'too woke.' The archive articles regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are unrelated to this event, as they concern a different member of the Guthrie family.

How outlets are covering it

Billboard emphasized Midler’s political stance, highlighting her quote about justice coming from a 'beat-up guitar' rather than the courthouse. KTUL focused on the local Tulsa angle, noting the silent auction items and the presence of country artist Bryan Andrews. News On 6 provided a pre-event preview, detailing Midler’s career achievements and the educational mission of the Woody Guthrie Center. Music Industry Weekly offered a brief summary, noting Midler’s framing of the award as a statement of political engagement. All sources agree on the core facts of the event, but Billboard and Music Industry Weekly placed greater emphasis on the protest nature of the performance, while local outlets highlighted the community and fundraising aspects.

Why it matters

The award underscores the ongoing relevance of protest music in contemporary politics. Midler’s decision to rewrite a 1940s song for the current era signals a belief that artistic expression remains a vital tool for social commentary. The event also highlights the Woody Guthrie Center’s role in bridging historical folk traditions with modern activism, supporting educational programs and public concerts in Tulsa.

What to watch

The Woody Guthrie Center will use the proceeds from the event to fund its 2028 educational programming, public events, and exhibitions. Midler’s updated version of 'All You Fascists (Bound to Lose)' is available on YouTube, and the center continues to accept donations to support its mission.