The world loses Pete Seeger after a lifetime of musical inspiration

Pete Seeger, folk singer, music inspiration, and legend died yesterday, leaving a hole in the hearts of many.  He was a catalyst for social change, leaving a legacy that many here will remember dearly.

He died of natural causes at the age of 94, at his home in New York having contributed so much to the world of music.  Seeger had an incredible career as a musician that began in the 1940s and continued through to 2008. In the early 1950s he joined the Weavers, an American band who’s song, “Goodnight, Irene” sat at number one on the charts for 13 weeks.

Seeger and the other members of the Weavers were blacklisted during the American McCarthy era as they used their music to highlight and convey their positions regarding human and civil rights, much to the US government’s dislike. He came back as a solo artist in the 1960s and continued to be one of the music industry’s most passionate performers.

He was quoted in 2009 as saying: “My job is to show folks there’s a lot of good music in this world, and if used right it may help to save the planet.”

Seeger frequently sang about controversial affairs and causes he felt strongly about. His song, “Waist deep in the big muddy” was about a captain in World War II and he used the song to publicise his protest on the Vietnam War. His song, “The lonesome valley” was about the pollution of the Hudson River and his rendition of “We shall overcome” contributed to the song becoming known as the “anthem of the 1960s civil rights movement.”

Do you remember Pete Seeger’s music? What is your favourite Seeger music memory?

Take a look at some of Seeger’s performances and celebrate his life with us.