Pete Seeger, who Bruce Springsteen called “the father of American folk music,” passed away Monday of natural causes. He was 94 years old.
In 1939, Seeger dropped out of Harvard to score hits with the Weavers. His lengthy career saw him play with fellow folk legend Woody Guthrie as well as performing duos with Bob Dylan. Besides being a folk singer, Seeger was an avid social justice advocate who popularized anti-war songs and turned tunes like “We Shall Overcome” into anthems of the Civil Rights movement.
Seeger’s grandson, Kitama Cahill Jackson, told CNN that Seeger died of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Many musicians and celebrities have shared their thoughts on the passing of this incredible man, including President Obama. He issued a statement Tuesday morning honoring both the singer’s musicianship and his activism.
“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.”
Seeger’s career in music spanned more than seven decades. He is best known for generation-defining songs like “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season” and “If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song.)”
Although he is no longer with us, his memory lives on.
Were you a fan of Pete Seeger?