Joe Hill by Gibbs M. Smith

Joe Hill: The True Story of a Labor Martyr

Author: Gibbs M. Smith

Joe Hill sat tied to a chair, blindfolded, a target pinned to his chest. "Let it go, fire," he yelled. The rifles fired. Three bullets struck his heart. But though those were his last words, it was far from the last thing the world would hear from Joe Hill.

Joe Hill tells the powerful and tragic story of the labor organizer, folk hero, and songwriter who gave his life fighting for workers' rights. His ballads, written for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), became the anthems of radicals and revolutionaries, inspiring generations of artists and activists.

A Defining Voice in American Labor History

Hailed as the "Definitive Study of Joe Hill," this book provides an in-depth, scholarly examination of his life, activism, and influence. Through detailed research and compelling storytelling, Gibbs M. Smith captures the spirit of a man whose fight for justice still resonates today.

"A man whose songs evoked the spirit of radicals who were the very epitome of guts and gallantry. Now, as then, society needs such men and women."
— The New York Times

A Legacy That Lives On

Joe Hill's music and message continue to shape the fight for workers' rights. His influence can be traced from Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and even Rage Against the Machine. His story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a better world.

Joe Hill is a must-read for historians, activists, and anyone who believes in the power of protest through music.