Joel Emmanuel Hagglund (Joe Hill) born October 7, 1879 Gavle, Sweden,he emigrated to the United States in 1902, where he changed his name to Joseph Hillstrom. After several years as an itinerant worker - a 'hobo' he joined the IWW (the Industrial Workers of the World).A wobbly organiser, balladeer, he was also a man of pride, the flag that he proudly followed was one of international solidarity.
Union organiser, songwriter and member of the Industrial Workers of the World. He was murdered at the age of 36 by a US Government firing squad framed for a murder that may believed he did not commit. An innocent man condemned to death for his passion. Many historians have come to recognise it as one of the worst travesties of justice in American history. After a trial riddled with biased rulings and suppression of important defense evidence and other violations of judicial procedure, which was characteristic of many cases involving labour radicals.
Just prior to his execution. Hill had written to fellow International Worker of the World Bill Haywood saying. "Goodbye Bill. I die like a true rebel.Don't waste any time in mourning. Organise.
An estimated 30,000 people attended his funeral in an impressive singing demonstration under the banner ' In Memorium-Joe Hill - Murdered by the Capitalist Class. A rebel to the core, his voice still rings out loud, rightfully venerated and celebrated as a hero and martyr.He started the struggle that many continue to fight today.
Music and the IWW: the creation of working class counterculture
https://libcom.org/history/music-iww-creation-working-class-counterculture-terland
