Frank, I agree that it was disgraceful that Pete Seeger never appeared on the show. When ABC finally agreed to have him on they requested that he sign a loyalty oath, which he refused to do.

It should be remembered that Pete was against the boycott of the program because he saw the benefit that the show presented.   After viewing the program, it is wonderful to see the diversity of talent that they were able to present. How many television programs were offering primetime opportunities to Marion Williams, Clara Ward, Josh White Jr., Joe & Eddie, Miriam Makeba, Leon Bibb and other prominent African-American folksingers - who would perform alongside other performers on college campuses across the country.    How many other programs allowed political songs such as the John Birch Society Blues - sung by the Chad Mitchell Trio the day BEFORE Bob Dylan was scheduled to sing his song about the Birchers on Ed Sullivan - and CBS denied him the opportunity.

How many television programs at the time gave airtime to Doc Watson, Theodore Bikel, The Tarriers, Ian & Sylvia, Flatt & Scruggs, Bud & Travis and so many others.   The show also offered slots to "local" groups at the colleges the show visited.

Yes, there were commercial groups that were doing unusual things with the music - and over the years it looks even sillier. Still, the program offered a lot more than it is given credit for.

Whatever the political views of the Linkletters, I found Jack Linkletters introductions to be very sharp and to the point. He gave background that was not condescending or phony.

We should not forget the controversy that surrounded the show at its inception, but we should not ignore the opportunities it provided and the respect it offered the musicians.   It was also ground breaking in many ways, setting the stage fot the show that would replace it - Shindig. Television msuical programs after Hootenanny borrowed a lot from the styles and techniques that were used.

I highly recommend this DVD set.