Pete Seeger (1919–2014) was an American folk musician, songwriter, and activist whose music drove social change. A key figure in the folk revival, he championed civil rights, environmental causes, and workers’ rights through song and activism.
Born in New York City, he was raised in a musical family. He left Harvard University (1938) to travel the country, collecting folk songs and mastering the banjo. In 1940, he co-founded the Almanac Singers with Woody Guthrie, performing at union rallies. He later formed The Weavers (1948,) whose recording of Goodnight, Irene topped the charts (1950.) Blacklisted during the McCarthy era, he continued performing, inspiring generations.
His best-known songs include Where Have All the Flowers Gone? (1955,) If I Had a Hammer (1949,) and Turn! Turn! Turn! (1959,) all anthems for social movements. He also popularized We Shall Overcome, the civil rights movement anthem. His books include How to Play the Five-String Banjo (1948) and The Incompleat Folksinger (1972.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Pete Seeger
Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don’t.
—Pete Seeger
Topics: Education, Experience
Do-so is more important than “say-so.”
—Pete Seeger
Topics: Action
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