I have been alternately singing and crying all day, and sometimes both at once. It feels like losing a close family member, and I didn't even know him all that well. I've talked to people who feel the same way who had never met him at all. Pete was more than an influential figure - as Utah Phillips said, "He invented what I do." I doubt many of us would be singing the music we sing, and living the lives we live, were it not for Pete. I know that I certainly would not be the person that I am.

So I took advantage of an unusually light schedule this evening to write down some thoughts about Pete in a blog post. Somehow I don't think I'm the only one who feels this way.

And now I guess it's the turning of an era - more and more it is up to those of us who are the musical and spiritual children and grandchildren of Pete to carry the music on, to keep getting people singing with each other, keep bringing people together, keep holding on to what is right and what is possible, keep honoring the old songs and the good new ones.

Pete gave us 94 years, and they were good ones. Now it's our turn. Well may the world roll.

Dan