Remembering Pete Seeger (1919–2014)
Today is Pete's Birthday May 3rd, Act Locally! And sing out with all your heart!
Today is Pete Seeger’s birthday, and I find myself reflecting on the deep impact he had—not just on music and activism, but on my own life.
I wish more people could know about Pete Seeger—his music, his mission, and his immense heart. Spread the word. The world still needs our voices to carry on!
Pete Seeger was truly a legend in his own time. A powerful American folk musician, activist, and songwriter, he inspired generations of artists, from Bob Dylan and Joan Baez to Bruce Springsteen. What defined Pete was the sincerity, hope, and quiet strength he carried into every note he sang and every cause he stood for. He was the musical conscience of America—an artist who used song as a force for justice, unity, and peace.
Pete believed that music belonged to everyone. At his concerts, he didn’t just perform—he invited everyone to sing along. His shows became shared experiences, moments of connection and joy. They felt more like family gatherings than performances, filled with warmth, honesty, and a belief in the power of voices raised together.
I was lucky enough to meet Pete a few times—at the Clearwater Festival along the Hudson in Beacon, New York, and at the Friends of Clearwater Festival in Monmouth County, New Jersey (now known as New Jersey Friends of Clearwater). Once you’d met Pete or sang along with him at one of those stirring songs, you couldn’t help but believe a better world was possible. I still do. Thanks, Pete!
Pete and his wife, Toshi Seeger, were co-founders of the Clearwater Festival and the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater—a nonprofit devoted to protecting the Hudson River and promoting lifelong environmental stewardship through educating kids and local advocacy.
One year, Pete personally made it possible for me to set up my information table at the festival for the Plight of the Redwoods Campaign, which I had started. With the help of friends from the NYC Wetlands Environmental and Social Justice Center, we spent an incredible day in Beacon along the Hudson River: sunshine, music, and hundreds of people gathered in solidarity for fun and connection and for environmental protection!
Pete’s fierceness, kindness, humility, and tenacity have stayed with me ever since.
I was fortunate to sail aboard the historic Sloop Clearwater on the Hudson, launching from New York City with members of the NYC Friends of Clearwater (and singing on the boat). It was one of those experiences that sticks with you. The historic 106-foot was built under the leadership and vision of Pete who spearheaded the project as part of his efforts to clean up the Hudson River and inspire environmental stewardship.
Many of my friends are folk musicians who have performed with Pete over the years. Some were also close friends of Pete and Toshi. I treasure those connections and the stories they’ve shared.
If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend watching “Pete Seeger: The Power of Song” (2007), a beautiful documentary by PBS American Masters. Here’s the full version, publicly available online (once you skip the commercials!).
Please share or have a video watch party!
Pete Seeger inscribed his banjo with the phrase "This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender."
Pete is one of my favorite heroes. I grew up to the Almanac Singers' "Talking Union" album. I only heard him live once, while I was in college. He shared a bill with Odetta at Yale. When I was playing guitar I used to sing all the Talking Union songs.
Helen