Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Ira "Utah" Phillips was a folk singer, songwriter, labor activist, and storyteller known for his charismatic performances and impassioned advocacy for workers' rights.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 15, 1935, in Afton, Wyoming, Phillips passed away on May 23, 2008, at the age of 72.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Phillips was an American folk singer, songwriter, and storyteller. His work as a musician and activist spanned over five decades, earning him recognition for his unique voice and unwavering commitment to social justice.
#### Early Life and Background
Phillips grew up in a nomadic family that traveled extensively throughout the western United States, developing a deep appreciation for the region's culture and history. This upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of community and a desire to share stories through music. He began performing as a teenager and eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he became an integral part of the local folk scene.
#### Major Accomplishments
Phillips' career was marked by numerous achievements:
As a member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Phillips traveled extensively throughout the country, performing at labor rallies and union meetings.
He released several albums, including "Last Night I Heard Your Voice" and "The Telling Takes Me There".
His activism and music inspired countless individuals to become involved in social justice causes.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Phillips' most notable works include:
Songs: His compositions often dealt with themes of labor rights, environmental issues, and the struggles of everyday people. Standout tracks like "The Telling Takes Me There" and "Last Night I Heard Your Voice" showcased his ability to craft powerful narratives through music.
Activism: Phillips' commitment to social justice was unwavering. He participated in numerous protests and rallies throughout his career, using his platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
#### Impact and Legacy
Utah Phillips' impact on American folk music and activism cannot be overstated:
His performances continue to inspire new generations of musicians and activists.
His commitment to social justice has left a lasting legacy in the world of labor rights and environmental advocacy.
The stories he shared through his music have become an integral part of America's cultural heritage.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Phillips' quotes are often referenced for their poignant commentary on human struggle and resilience:
> "The best way to get at the truth is not to worry about what you're going to find out, but whether you can live with it once you know."
>
> "We must take care of our friends, because we don't have any family left."
Utah Phillips' life's work serves as a testament to the power of music and activism in shaping social change. His unwavering commitment to justice and his ability to connect with people through storytelling continue to inspire audiences around the world.
Quotes by Utah Phillips
But they lived those extraordinary lives that can never be lived again. And in the living of them, they gave me a history that is more profound, more beautiful, more powerful, more passionate, and ultimately more useful, than the best damn history book I ever read.
Folk music isn’t owned by anybody. It is owned by everybody, like the national parks, the postal system, and the school system. It’s our common property. There is nobody’s name on it. Nobody can make money on it. It’s not copywritten.
The state can’t give you freedom, and the state can’t take it away. You’re born with it, like your eyes, like your ears. Freedom is something you assume, then you wait for someone to try to take it away. The degree to which you resist is the degree to which you are free...
Children, be worried when they call you America’s most valuable natural resource. Have you seen what they’ve done to the other natural resources?
You came into the world armed to the teeth. With an arsenal of weapons, weapons of privilege, economic privilege, sexual privilege, racial privilege. You want to be a pacifist, you're not just going to have to give up guns, knives, clubs, hard, angry words, you are going to have lay down the weapons of privilege and go into the world completely disarmed.
The Earth is not dying-it is being killed. And the people who are killing it have names and addresses.
Children, be worried when they call you America's most valuable natural resource. Have you seen what they've done to the other natural resources?