By the Way • January 28, 2014

Pete Seeger in 2000

In 2000, Chris interviewed the legendary folk singer Pete Seeger, who died today at 94. Here is Pete Seeger on “The Connection.” As Chris noted in introducing him, Pete Seeger never sang a song that ...
Pete Seeger performing on February 13, 1944, at the United Federal Labor Canteen, with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in attendance.

Pete Seeger performing on February 13, 1944, at the United Federal Labor Canteen, with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in attendance.

In 2000, Chris interviewed the legendary folk singer Pete Seeger, who died today at 94. Here is Pete Seeger on “The Connection.” As Chris noted in introducing him, Pete Seeger never sang a song that didn’t have meaning. He wrote and popularized folk music for over 60 years and he always aimed his voice and his banjo to a purpose. His convictions about social justice were deep, and his performances changed lives. There’s little doubt the FBI had a huge fat file on him back in Washington, and for his liberal politics he was the target of mob attacks too. He sung anti-American songs in Moscow, and was at one time banned from television. He continually inspired other people to action to stop the Vietnam war, to fight racial inequality, and to save the world.