Pete Seeger: Folk Music's Peaceful Warrior

Pete Seeger, an influential folk singer and songwriter, explored a new and powerful way to express his anti-war thoughts during the 1950s. Through his passionate singing and “banjo-picking”, he peacefully protested issues in the country. During his career, Seeger received support, but he also encountered opposition. Nevertheless, Seeger persevered and not only helped pave a permanent path into the future for folk music and its singers, but also ushered in political change that reflected a national movement toward peace.

Background:

Born on May 3, 1919, Pete Seeger was always interested in music, and it always seemed to be around him. His mother was a violinist, and his father a musicologist. They went around the country, learning about the diverse and intriguing styles of music and cultures. Pete Seeger received influence from rising folk singers like Lead Belly and John Lomax.

At the age of thirteen, while Seeger studied in boarding school, his enthusiasm for music continued and he bought his first banjo After he

Gradually, most of the people turned to support the political views expressed in his songs and enjoyed his songs. Pete Seeger helped other folk singers to see their music genre was rising and in turn, encouraged them to shine. People liked the music, and therefore listened to and sang the songs a lot. Seeger had changed the reputation of folk music for the better. On December 24, 1966, Pete Seeger was at the Carnegie Hall, where he sang “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy.” The review in the newspaper article “Pete Seeger Takes a Stockingful of Song to the Carnegie Hall’ ended with a “So it went, a fine evening with Pete Seeger, with a lapse here and there to give a touch of humanity to his magic.”--- Robert Shelton

Long Term