Which American folk musician famously painted the slogan "This Machine Kills Fascists" on his guitar in 1941?

"This Machine Kills Fascists" is a message that Woody Guthrie placed on his guitar in 1941, which inspired many subsequent artists. Guthrie was strongly opposed to fascism which he conceptualized as "a form of economic exploitation, similar to slavery".

Soon after moving into a small fourth-floor walk-up apartment in Manhattan, Guthrie wrote the war song "Talking Hitler's Head Off Blues". This was printed in the "Daily Worker" newspaper. Then, in a fit of patriotism and faith in the impact of the song, he painted on his guitar the famous slogan "This Machine Kills Fascists".

Background information:

Birth name Woodrow Wilson Guthrie

Born July 14, 1912 Okemah, Oklahoma, U.S.

Died October 3, 1967 (aged 55) New York City, New York, U.S.

Years active 1930–1956

Woodrow Wilson Guthrie was an American singer-songwriter. One of the most significant figures in American folk music; his music, including songs, such as "This Land Is Your Land", has inspired several generations both politically and musically. He wrote hundreds of political, folk, and children's songs, along with ballads and improvised works.

Songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Hunter, Harry Chapin, John Mellencamp, Pete Seeger, Andy Irvine, Joe Strummer, Billy Bragg, Jerry Garcia, Jay Farrar, Bob Weir, Jeff Tweedy, Bob Childers, Sammy Walker, Tom Paxton, AJJ, Brian Fallon, and Sixto Rodríguez have acknowledged Guthrie as a major influence.