Renowned folk musician and social justice activist Pete Seeger died five years ago today at the age of 94. An anti-war supporter of civil rights, the environment and other matters of equality, Seeger’s music was political by nature.
Seeger’s career began in the 1940s, finding success as a member of the Weavers in the 1950s. With members of the Weavers, Seeger was among the musicians and film industry professionals blacklisted by U.S. House Un-American Activities Committee. The resilient singer-songwriter responded in the 1960s with a solo career that remained relevant until his death in 2014.
One of Seeger’s final public appearances was a surprise performance at Farm Aid 2013 held at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Seeger’s unannounced performance on September 21 came after John Mellencamp’s set. Joined by Mellencamp, Neil Young, Willie Nelson and Dave Matthews – Farm Aid’s Board Of Directors – Seeger led a rendition of “This Land Is Your Land.” Seeger added a line he wrote specifically for Farm Aid to Woody Guthrie’s singalong. Seeger led his performance with his beloved original “If I Had A Hammer (The Hammer Song)”.
Watch Pete Seeger’s Farm Aid 2013 surprise appearance below:
