Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 10:28 AM

Amen, Dorothy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 10:22 AM

Although I feel a sadness that Pete is no longer with us in body, I totally believe that he lives in each of us, in each person whose life he touched and that is a great chunk of the world's population. As the "six degrees of separation" has lessened through the internet, there are very few whose lives are not touched by his music, thus, by him.

He is with us in spirit. He shared so much of himself and that sharing continues. Nothing can stop it. I have no doubt he will RIP, knowing he did what he could, shared himself completely and left a sharing, caring legacy for us to - Carry it on.

May his death be so well covered by the media that even more of the world will know his worth, his thoughts, his kind and loving spirit, his rebel spirit, his stand up and be counted and rock the boat spirit. He stood for the best in - every aspect of life and in everybody.

Carry it on. Each of us to the best of our ability, knowing he is still supporting us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 10:21 AM

I just heard about this a few minutes ago. It's very strange since I just posted a photo yesterday of a very young Pete Seeger on Facebook Forum Exceedingly Good Song Night performing in uniform at a special event in Washington, DC, in 1944: "Pete Seeger, noted folk singer, entertaining at the opening of the Washington labor canteen, Valentine's Day, sponsored by the United Federal Labor Canteen, Federal Workers of American, and Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), photographed by Joseph Anthony Horne, February 14, 1944. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is in the audience, seated between two sailors, Prints and Photographs LC-USW3- 040956-D. Mural by Woody Guthrie in the background." I'll post the photo on the Facebook Mudcat Forum page as well.

My parents first took me to a Pete Seeger concert at Bowdoin College in the 1950s. I was able to talk with him at several political song-writing workshops in the early 1980s and was present when he helped launch the Sloop Clearwater from the Harvey Gamage Shipyard in Maine. He certainly has been an inspiration and a role model for me.

He's left us a lot of work to do but he also showed us how to do it.

Here's a verse and chorus from one of my songs that sums up the moment for me:

Now, our time is drawing near,
The farthest shore is becoming clear;
So trim the sail, make fast the sheet,
We've old friends we'd like to meet;
They'll welcome us upon the shore,
And join us in this song.

Pastures of memories,
Sifting through life's mysteries,
Golden cows and butterflies,
All on a summer's day!

Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,John from Kemsing
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 09:59 AM

I recorded the BBC programme of Pete Seeger in conversation with Bob Copper when Bob was taken to New York, two giants in the world of folk music speaking of their lives and the music associated with them. It is an even more precious archive now. Both understandably gone now but never forgotten.

R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 09:54 AM

And, as Joe Hill might have added, and I'm sure Pete would have added "...and sing while you're doing it!"

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Jed Marum
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 09:36 AM

a wonderful songster with a gift for the music and a light for the spirit of mankind - indeed for all of life! Farewell Pete may your joyous strain echo throughout the generatons.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,buddhuu sans biscuit
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 09:33 AM

Legend.

Sang the songs and walked the walk.

Well played, Mr Seeger.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 09:29 AM

It's good to see that Pete's passing has be given good coverage on BBC TV news.
Pete was my introduction to folk music.
He did radio show for the BBC around 1960.
Just Pete and his banjo and guitar, and a marvellous selection of songs.
I taped the show ans still have it somewhere.
Pete was so good in so many areas.
I only saw him live once at the Manchester Free Trade Hall back in 1964.
He was, is course, quite wonderful.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:46 AM

Anytime something happened to make you feel bad about America, Pete was there to remind you there's a better side that's more American than that.

Time to remember how Joe Hill put it, "Don't mourn - organize".

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Guest-Dianne
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:38 AM

Like so many who posted above, I was introduced to folk music first by Pete and the Weavers. I had the great good fortune to see him in person a few times during the '60's and '70's. His soaring voice, driving banjo were amazing. Pete used the energy of his audience to replenish what he was expending so that every set was full of life and each song seemed "new" again.
Pete lived his values and was a great teacher. We are all better because of him.
Pete's light may be out, but oh how many others he lit during his time among us.
Dianne

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,SINS
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:30 AM

My favorite Seeger moment: offering to sing for HUAC. RIP SINS

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:28 AM

Wasn't that a time.
On this sad day it's comforting to know that so much that is good will live on because of Pete.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:24 AM

Pete and Malvina Reynolds, introduced to by two different friends, led me into a lifetime love of folk music that has lasted and never waned. Thankyou.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:21 AM

I've dreaded this day. My first encounter with Pete was listening to the Weavers. Then in 1969 we met at the home of our mutual friend, Gordon Bok. Pete gave me my first banjo on that long neck vega of his. I was hooked. We crossed paths a number of times, then when Dan Schatz came up with this memorial cd for Utah Phillips, I asked Pete if he would contribute. He sang the song he wrote for the cd on the telephone! What a hoot.

He was charged with Contempt of Congress! How many of us would qualify for that? He didn't hide behind the 5th amendment, he stood on the FIRST amendment!
One of my few heroes. RIP Pete.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:20 AM

For a man to change the world for the better using banjo, guitar and voice is certainly a great legacy! A man so unconcerned with legacy who inspired the world to change itself will always be my hero! RIP Pete!

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: topical tom
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:02 AM

Pete was a hero of mine since 1955. He taught us to sing together and how we should live together, He championed rights and freedom and fought wrong wherever he found it. Thanks so much, Pete, for the optimism and the fight for the right at all times. It had to happen but there is a lump in my throat this morning. RIP, Pete. You led a great life and deserve a rest.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Hrothgar
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:00 AM

I know he influenced folk music throughout the English-speaking world, and I think he had a solid impact in other languages as well.

We might never see his like again.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 07:20 AM

Pete meant everything to me when I was starting out in 1950. I had a guitar and was learning Burl Ives songs, but it was hearing the Weavers, then Pete's first Folkways LP that made me seek out a 5-string (they were rare then) and learn to play it.

I first saw Pete live at Woodstock, Vermont. Pete came to Dartmouth College in February 1956 at my behest (I'd co-founded a folksingers club with another picker, Dick Martz), gave a stirring concert. He borrowed my ax to chop a log for "Didn't Old John Cross the Water on His Knees," scared the pants off the college administration.

Over the years Pete has been there so many times and in so many places. I watched that Smothers Brothers show when he sang "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy." Vietnam and all the massed power of the US mil-industrial complex was on its horse and here was one lone voice finally breaking back into TV to sing about the Big Fool telling us to press on.

I was just reflecting this morning that, had it not been for Pete, the Weavers and Moe Asch's Folkways, it's possible there never could have been a folk movement on the scale and of the type that broke out in the 50s.

We're all here in large part because of Pete. Wow. I'm stunned and it will take a while to get used to a world without him. But of course he's still here, singing on in lots of us. They talk about us old folkies being Woody's children, but in a bigger and wider sense we're Pete's kids.

He fixed the world so it will never be the same. Singing on. Picking on. Don't forget.

Bob Coltman

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 07:05 AM

The first thing I ever searched for and found on the net was Pete's HUAC testimony..........

There are volumes to say about Pete and absolutely nothing to say. Travel on........and Thanks Pete.......

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Doc John
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 06:50 AM

Goodbye Pete Seeger; you've been with us for such a long time it's hard to believe that you're not around anymore. A giant in folk music who brought so much to the world; always a fighter for human rights and dignity; and most of all a true gentleman. Thank you!

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: voyager
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 06:36 AM

The Seeger Family Have Been a Musical Gift to our Country

Lyrics to Or Else! (One-A These Days) :
(Pete Seeger, David Bernz and A.N. Onymous. Music by Pete Seeger)

[Chorus:]
One-a these days (ONE-A THESE DAYS)
One-a these days (ONE-A THESE DAYS)
One-a these days, one-a these days
OR ELSE!

Our school will get the money it needs for smaller classes,
And the Navy will hold a bake sale to build a battleship.

[Chorus]

And Johnny will get the money he needs for that operation,
And the Air Force will hold a raffle to buy a bomber.

[Chorus]

And every vote will be counted in every election,
And the winners will always keep all of their promises.

[Chorus]

And around the world we'll learn each other's languages
And the very first thing we'll learn is how to listen.
(spoken) "Who knows the word for 'hello' in some other language?"
(spoken responses of "hello" in several languages)

[Chorus]

God only knows what the future will be
God only knows what the future will be
But God gave us brains
He meant us to use 'em

RIP
voyager

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 06:29 AM

Thanks for that tribute Roy. Extremely well put and very moving. But that's two humanitarian giants we've lost in as many months. I know they had both reached the grand old ages of 94. But will someone tell God to go easy. We haven't got many left.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 06:24 AM

A light has gone out, not only for we folk people but for the human race worldwide. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but equally am glad that I knew his music and that I met him and shook his hand. Thank you, and Rest in Peace Pete. We all owe you so much. Rest assured thatthe singing will go on. Condolences to Peggy and the rest of the family. RoyH.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: gnu
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 06:07 AM

RIP... and thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:44 AM

The giant is gone, RIP Pete.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: bradfordian
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:41 AM

MY RAINBOW RACE

One blue sky above us,
One ocean, lapping all our shores.
One earth so green and round,
Who could ask for more?

And because I love you
I'll give it one more try
To show my rainbow race
It's too soon to die.

One of my favorites, but sooo many to choose from.
A monumental influence on the folk and political scene.
A great "innings" and many, many thanks for your contribution.
RIP Pete Seeger

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:38 AM

I feel as though the heart has been torn from me. R.I.Pete

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:27 AM

There's no more I can add to what's already been said. What a life and what a man. Rest easy.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:22 AM

Legend. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:19 AM

A truly great man, an inspiration. R.I P. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:13 AM

It is indeed a sad day. Pete had an enormous influence over here in England as well, from his visits, especially in about 1964 when he did a concert in London which gave a great boost to the rapidly expanding folk song movement, and in the way he inspired others by his own example to sing along in the choruses and to sing about justice. I saw him in concert just once - on his last visit to England for sister Peggy's 70th birthday concert in London. A treasured memory.
Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:10 AM

Artists 4 Action - Recent (and lovely) Interview with Pete

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:10 AM

Apologies that guest post was mine, didn't realise I wasn't logged in.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 05:08 AM

Sorry to hear this sad news ... he has left us with so much.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,cujimmy
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:54 AM

Rest in peace Pete, your inspiration will carry on within every generation.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Bert
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:52 AM

I just finished watching a show on Netflix about Greenwich Village and he featured prominently.

By you ol' fart, we'll miss you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:45 AM

Thank you for that clip KT. It catches the mood wonderfully. There are, of course, many superlatives that can be used to celebrate Pete Seeger and all his many achievements. Folk music and justifiable public protest would have been so different if he hadn't put so much energy and love into it.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,RWJ
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:43 AM

Sad news, gone but never will be forgoten. My thought are with his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:41 AM

I have a little note from him when i wrote to him many years ago with the little banjo looped into the signature. That he had time to write to me moves me greatly. I found the letter this morning. A true true legend. Saw him play a little when he came to London.

Patrick

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: andymac
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:23 AM

I never met him but he inspired me as he did countless others. The world just lost a beautiful person. RIP Pete. Thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:23 AM

So long, Pete, it's been good to know you. I grew up listening to your songs, and I still often sing them. You have been an inspiration to so many generations all over the world. Goodnight, Pete Seeger, goodnight.

Matthew

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST,Wolfgang
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:22 AM

A legend when still alive, and a legend he remains now.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Brian May
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:19 AM

A giant in folk.

Rest easy Pete, the work you could do, you did. Thank you for being, you're the reason I play guitar and at the banjo.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 04:17 AM

Such sad news, but a life well-lived. I heard him perform in his/my local area at a free hardware store concert, once, & Duane had a chance to chat with him. This is history.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 03:59 AM

Martin Simpson on 'Today' - BBC Radio4 now   Tha Singaround above just got a HUGE addition .

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: KT
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 03:56 AM

In the spirit of friendship, shared sorrow in his passing and gratitude for his time here, I offer this link, which Genie shared on FB. Thank you, Pete.
KT

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: nager
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 03:55 AM

So sorry to hear the news. Pete Seeger was an inspiration to so many of us. Thanks for everyhting Pete... you will be remembered for ever!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 03:50 AM

An inspirational man, both musically and politically. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 03:49 AM

"This machine surrounds hate & forces it to surrender."

Go on, brother; your shift is finished and you done good.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pete Seeger (1919-2014)
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 03:49 AM

RIP Pete, the world is a lesser place today.

Dave H