OKLAHOMA CITY – Woody Guthrie’s writings, recordings and artwork will land in his native state after an Oklahoma foundation bought the collection, with plans for a display that concentrates on his artistry rather than the populist politics that divided local opinion over the years.

Guthrie, known for the anthem, “This Land is Your Land” and his songs about the poor and downtrodden, is remembered mostly as a musician, composer and singer, but was also a literary figure and an artist, said Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

“Woody Guthrie was a crossroads of creativity,” Blackburn said.

The George Kaiser Family Foundation, a charitable organization based in Tulsa, announced Wednesday that it purchased the archives and plans to open the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa by the end of 2012 to mark the centennial of the singer’s birth.

The foundation did not disclose how much it paid for the collection, which includes the original handwritten copy of “This Land is Your Land.” Also included are original musical recordings, handwritten songbooks and almost 3,000 song lyrics, rare books by and about Guthrie, more than 700 pieces of artwork, letters and postcards, more than 500 photographs, Guthrie’s annotated record collection and personal papers detailing family matters, his World War II military service and musical career.

The archive had been housed in the Mount Kisco, N.Y., home of Nora Guthrie, the songwriter’s daughter. Woody Guthrie, a native of Okemah, died of Huntington’s disease in 1967 at the age of 55.

While Guthrie’s social activism rubbed some conservative Oklahomans the wrong way, Blackburn said his songs reflect the down-to-earth sentiment of the state where he was born.

Celebrities share their goals for next year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Like the rest of us, celebrities are thinking about their goals for next year.
Taylor Swift is looking to change things up.

“I think my goal for the next couple of years would be to make departures in little ways and do things a little differently,” said the Grammy-winning singer, “and try to maintain a balance between always providing your fans with what they’ve always liked from you and continuing to write all my own songs, but I’d love to make collaborations in different directions that aren’t exactly expected.”

The three members of country group Lady Antebellum are resolving to find balance in their personal and professional lives. It will be more of a challenge than ever with their first headlining tour resuming in January and two weddings to plan. Dave Haywood proposed to girlfriend Kelli Cashiola, 29, by hanging Christmas lights on her house that spelled out “Will You Marry Me?” Singer Hillary Scott got engaged in July and is planning to marry fiance Chris Tyrell in the spring. Singer Charles Kelley is already married.

“Next year we’ve got a pretty heavy touring schedule, but we’ve learned this fall how to balance that, how to have a good time at home,” said Haywood. “All of us are good and cognizant about having our loved ones out with us when we can and being able to get home when we can.”

Miranda Lambert wants to focus on songwriting. Her Grammy-winning hit “The House That Built Me” was a game-changer in her career. The problem? She didn’t write it.

“I’d love to actually write a song that was nominated for song of the year. That would be a huge thing to me,” said Lambert. “Eventually over the next five years I’d maybe like to win entertainer of the year – when I’ve earned it.”

The resolutions Lambert’s husband, Blake Shelton, is making have nothing to do with self-improvement. He has high hopes for other people in his life, including two of the singers he mentored as a judge on NBC’s “The Voice,” Dia Frampton and Xenia Martinez.

“I really would like to see Dia’s record take off and do well, and Xenia has made a great record. My heart is there for them,” he said.

Perhaps more than anything, Shelton said he hopes his wife’s new single, “Over You,” makes an impact on fans and country radio. The couple wrote the song together about the death of Shelton’s older brother, Richie, who died in a car accident in 1990.

Brad Paisley’s goal is to set new ones. He spent 2011 on tour as the reigning Country Music Association entertainer of the year. He reunited country supergroup Alabama for his song “Old Alabama,” and he wrote a book. He said he has some ideas “to reinvent” and “have some fun with the success” he’s had, but he’s also learned a lot about himself along the way.

“I have a career that’s on a bit of autopilot in the sense that I feel I can rest easy a little bit more. … I don’t feel that people are just going to leave me. They’re not going to just move on. We do well, and it’s a great feeling,” said Paisley. “I guess I’ve just learned to be a little more comfortable with who I am.”

Singer’s marriage ends after 16 days

LONDON – A statement on Sinead O’Connor’s website says her brief marriage to therapist Barry Herridge has ended amicably.

The statement on sineadoconnor.com says “the marriage was 16 days. We lived together for 7 days only. Until Xmas eve.”

The statement says “from the moment myself and my husband got together … there was intense pressure placed upon him by certain people in his life, not to be involved with me.”

She adds: “As my good friend said ‘well, at least you got married in Vegas in a pink Cadillac! Can’t get more Rock n Roll than that.'”

Roman Szendrey, who maintains the site, told The Associated Press by phone Wednesday the report is accurate and was personally posted by O’Connor.