Discussion for article #232702
When I was in high school in Texas the early 1960s, I was a completely caught up in the folk music revival, and though my tastes were to the more commercial performers popular at the time, I was, of course, aware of Pete Seeger and his contributions. It wasn’t until I saw him live, however, that I really understood his power and charisma. The occasion was a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in September to protest a proposed amendment to the state constitution allowing housing discrimination, which was on the California ballot that year. His ability to completely transfix a crowd of 20,000 with his calm and beguiling, but urgent, manner completely won me (and the others) over. His gift was rare and extraordinary, and he is missed.
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Brilliant and unstoppable true American Patriot and hero.
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I was also one of those people who, at 18 or 19-years old, was privileged to witness Pete Seeger’s amazing ability to bring so many to stand and sing with him. It was in the mid '60s in an auditorium (I don’t remember if it was a college or high school). The place was packed with an audience of all ages, standing together through the entire performance (no seats) and mesmerized by him. I was right by the stage and, as he played and sang, I could feel vibrations from the thump thump thump of his heavy work boot on the hardwood. The entire place was afire with enthusiasm for change and peace and brotherly love, led by this man. It’s hard to describe the profound influence he had on my generation, but this article does a good job of it.
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Most definitely a national treasure, and his life should be taught in schools as an example of a great American who always stood by his conscience and his values regardless of the consequences. He always stood up for the average person against money and political power, and he paid a big price for it.
I was lucky enough to attend a workshop given by him and one of his grandsons a few years ago at Jazziest in New Orleans, attended by a hundred or so. His sense of humor, his down-to-earth honesty and integrity, and his pure love of music and how it can move people were much in evidence. He told stories from his life, took some questions, and engaged the audience in songs during a performance that I will never forget.
One of my heroes.
If you trace the path of social justice in the 20th century Seeger was the one who was always leading the way.
Those are big shoes to try to fill.