Pete Seeger was born on May 3rd, 1919 in New York City to a family with a great history in the music industry. His father taught music at the University of California in Berklee and his mother taught violin at the school of Julliard. Both of his siblings would go on to become musicians and despite the shadow and intimidation of his family’s success, Seeger went on to become an American folk singer/song writer icon himself. Many would agree that Seeger played a tremendously inspirational role in the 20th century music industry. Winning a variety of awards such as the Grammy Lifetime Award, Kennedy Center Honors, and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But as much as Seeger was an inspirational folk singer, he was an environmental activist, anti-war activist, civil rights activist, children’s activist and so much more. It is not common for a musician to be both a musician and a positive activist but for Seeger he presented both with so much grace and fortitude. Ultimately, what would inspire a person to become this active in seeing the world to become a better version of itself? I believe that Seeger wasn’t inspired by one true thing to put him on this path of reshaping society. But however, seen the potential that of what this world could become and used his outlet to express his beliefs as best as he could.
Seeger’s spirit never rested in one single positive action, he took it upon himself to fight more battles and heal more wounds and one of his best ways of doing so was through the art of music. Seeger was associated with peace in regard to activism because he used his platform as a musician to spread more positive action and resistance within this country. He wrote songs like, “This Land is Your Land,” and “Bring em’ Home,” music that expressed the nonessential need for wars. He has sung from music festivals to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for Barack Obama, marched with Martin Luther King to fighting McCarthyism. Seeger has accomplished great things in both the music industry and in society. He has inspired many with his music and activism and still continues to despite his passing five years ago. What inspired me the most about his work was his ability to use the platform that he earned to spread awareness whether that be for environmental concerns, anti-war efforts, or even civil rights. He believed it was necessary to do this because he had the voice and power to do so. Granted society today is slightly different than what it was in the fifties and sixties, there are still many problems that musicians could be discussing and taking action for within their music. If they were to use Pete Seeger as a means to inspire this new generation in taken risks, making waves, and to stand up for what they believe is morally right, then what is stopping them? Today we have more freedom to express how we feel to the public than ever before and if Pete Seeger could do this in the segregated McCarthy era and still retain his success as a musician than why can’t we do the same?
Works Cited
- Bragg, B. (2014, January 28). Pete Seeger: Folk activist who believed music could make a difference. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/28/pete-seeger-folk-singer-activist-music-make-difference
- Pareles, J. (2014, January 28). Pete Seeger, Champion of Folk Music and Social Change, Dies at 94. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/29/arts/music/pete-seeger-songwriter-and-champion-of-folk-music-dies-at-94.html