Pete Seeger

Pete Seeger was a legendary folk singer, songwriter, and activist known for his interpretations of America's folk traditions.

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Profession :

Folk Singer

Birthday :

May 3, 1919

Death Date:

January 27, 2014

Age :

94

Pete Seeger (1919-2014) was a renowned American folk musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his songs “If I Had a Hammer” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”. He was also a member of The Weavers, a popular folk group from the 1940s. Seeger was a prominent social activist, supporting civil rights and environmental causes, and wrote and performed songs related to these issues, such as “We Shall Overcome” and “Turn, Turn, Turn”. His contributions to music earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Seeger was also a skilled visual artist, creating numerous paintings and sketches throughout his life to express his political views and advocate for social justice. His artwork was displayed at the Woody Guthrie Center in 2013, featuring portraits of civil rights leaders and scenes from labor strikes and protests. He designed album covers and political posters as well, including the iconic “This Machine Kills Fascists” sticker on his guitar.

Some of Seeger’s other notable works and accomplishments include transforming the folk standard “Goodnight Irene” into a haunting populist lullaby with The Weavers, recording the romantic ballad “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine” written by Jimmie Rodgers in 1951, and inspiring younger musicians during the folk revival of the 1960s, such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Despite being blacklisted in the 1950s for his activism, Seeger continued to champion social justice causes. His music and activism have left a lasting impact on American folk music and inspired generations of musicians.