"Q" Another thought ... I'm somewhat bothered by your point, though it may well be valid, that their social impact came later, during the evolution of the protest of the struggle for equal rights and the Viet Nam mess.

I believe it was BECAUSE The Weavers sang the songs they did, and at the same time spoke out for the causes that they felt so strongly about, that gave social some acceptance to "protesting" per se. Certainly when Pete sang before the HUAC committee (I hope I'm accurate here) it caused a HUGE amount of attention.

Remember just who the Weavers were: Seeger, Gilbert, Hays, Hellerman. And don't forget Woody. Woody was closly associated with them all and he especially gave voice to his causes (issues). Now then, throw John Steinbeck into the mix, and you NOW have social impact, change, awareness, revolution.

Going on, in time, add Guy Carawan and his teaching of "We Shall Overcome," throught the country. Talk about giving a "voice" to a movement.

I guess my point is this: "The Weavers" started it all. This is not to say that there weren't folksingers previously who raised these issues (especially in the union movements), but for whatever reasons, I do believe they were the most successfull.

Good thread. Bob