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November 19, 2015

100th Anniversary of Death of Labor Activist and Songwriter Joe Hill 
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And today is the 100th anniversary of the death of legendary labor
activist and songwriter Joe Hill. Born in Sweden on October 7, 1879,
Hill moved to the United States and worked as a miner. He became a union
activist for the Industrial Workers of the World. His famous songs
include "There is Power in a Union," "Rebel Girl" and "Casey Jones-the
Union Scab." Hill was executed by a Utah firing squad on November 19,
1915, after being convicted of murder in a controversial trial. It is
widely believed he was framed for the murders because of his labor
activism. On Tuesday, legendary musician Joan Baez paid tribute to Joe
Hill at a concert at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

Joan Baez: "Oh, where working folks defend their rights, there you'll
find Joe Hill. There you'll find Joe Hill."

 

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