RIP Pete Seeger

Pete Seeger, who died January 27, was so much more than a folk singer that President Obama released a statement honoring his passing.

Once called 'America's tuning fork,' Pete Seeger believed deeply in the power of song. But more importantly, he believed in the power of community -- to stand up for what's right, speak out against what's wrong, and move this country closer to the America he knew we could be. Over the years, Pete used his voice -- and his hammer -- to strike blows for worker's rights and civil rights; world peace and environmental conservation. And he always invited us to sing along. For reminding us where we come from and showing us where we need to go, we will always be grateful to Pete Seeger. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayer to Pete's family and all those who loved him.

Martin Luther King, Pete Seeger, Charis Horton, Rosa Parks, and Ralph Abernathy at Highlander Institute in 1957. (Photo from http://zinnedproject.org)

Some highlights from our collection of materials by and about Seeger:

• American Industrial Ballads (CD 23395)
• Where Have All the Flowers Gone: The Songs of Pete Seeger (CD 18837 - 18838) 
• How to Play the 5 String Banjo: A Manual for Beginners (MT562.S445 H6)
• Pete Seeger: The Power of Song (DVD 3433)
• The Protest Singer: An Intimate Portrait of Pete Seeger by Alec Wilkinson (ML420.S445 W55 2009)

You will find addition streaming audio by Seeger in American Song.