Seeger, Pete

Pete Seeger (1919–2014) was one of America’s most influential folk musicians, songwriters, and social activists. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, he used music as a tool for social change, inspiring generations with his banjo, his clear voice, and his belief in the power of collective action. A key figure in the mid-20th-century folk revival, Seeger popularized songs such as “If I Had a Hammer,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” which became anthems of the civil rights, labor, and antiwar movements.

Seeger’s activism often came at a personal cost—he was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his political beliefs—but he remained steadfast in his commitment to justice, peace, and environmental protection. He was instrumental in founding organizations such as the People’s Songs collective and later championed the environmental cleanup of the Hudson River through the Clearwater project.

More than a performer, Seeger was a community builder who believed that music could unite people across divides. His sing-along performances encouraged audiences to find their own voices, and his legacy continues in the enduring link between folk music and social activism. Pete Seeger’s life was a testament to the idea that art can change the world. Seeger performed for Englewood residents at Mackay Park and at John Harms theater in 1981.

Staff Photographer, New York World-Telegram and Sun

Library of Congress

Public Domain