Jukebox: Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger is still singing the ballads that popularized folk music and transformed the genre into a call for action
- By Joseph Caputo
- Smithsonian magazine, May 2009, Subscribe
Musician Pete Seeger turns 90 on May 3. AP Images
What kind of birthday present do you get for a man who skipped to his lou, lived where the deer and antelope play and knew an old lady who swallowed a fly? Pete Seeger turns 90 on May 3—and he is still singing the ballads that not only popularized folk music but, in the 1960s, helped transform it into a soundtrack for political activism. Musicians from Bruce Springsteen to Ani DiFranco will perform in Seeger's honor at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Join in the celebration with Smithsonian Folkway's five-record set of Seeger songs, including the album "American Favorite Ballads."
Hear Hole In the Bucket, Home on the Range and Skip to My Lou
Music courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways, the non-profit record label of the Smithsonian Institution. Please click here to purchase or for more information
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Related topics: Folk
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Comments (5)
Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday Celebration Photos - Madison Square Garden - http://www.msg.com/photos/pete-seegers-90th-birthday-celebration/slide/1/ - Happy Birthday Man!
Posted by Tommy Lei on May 8,2009 | 11:35 AM
I just heard Mr. Seeger perform and then give an interview with his grandson Tao at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival this weekend past. A member of the interview audience asked him how he was able to square performing at a festival that is sponsored by Shell Oil (implying that their practices around the world are perhaps less than Christ-like). His answer was short, but spoke to the wisdom of a very old man. He told the man to talk to those with whom he may not agree. It might have seemed like a blow-off answer if if hadn't come from a man who is still involved (and enjoying success) in cleaning up his own backyard - the Hudson River.
Posted by Kim Cantwell on April 28,2009 | 10:55 AM
Its always good to hear about Pete Seger. I'm about to be 65 and I grew up going to his concerts with my parents. May he enjoy many more birthdays.
Posted by Sharon Deutsch. on April 27,2009 | 03:30 PM
Thank you for preserving an Ameican Jewel. The music of Pete Seegr has inspired and moved many people and many causes. He survived red-baiting and all of the attacks from the right wing. We are fortunate to have the honor of Pete Seegar as a fellow American citizen.
Posted by Mel Brownstein on April 27,2009 | 03:07 PM
Thanks for the memories.
Posted by Betty on April 25,2009 | 10:27 PM