Pete Seeger. The Power of Song (2007) by PBS American Masters (full version)

[@dianehenkel9088]

I wrote Pete Seeger a letter in 2008 telling Pete how much his music and his standing up for human rights had meant to me. I never expected a response. A few months later I got a handwritten letter from Pete. The envelope had a return address label that said Pete and Toshi Seeger with their home address. I was so honored that he wrote me. The letter said “old Pete Seeger” with his banjo beside his name. It’s one of my most treasured items. Pete took time to write to me, a nurse in Pittsburgh. What a great man. R. I. P. Pete. 🪕❤️

[@katherineperkinsschaller357]

That is amazing!

[@charlessoukup1111]

Just..... Wonderful

[@kenjollofsky]

Diane, please see my note above- think you'd enjoy it- Ken

[@paulgoulet8343]

@@kenjollofsky I read an article in Acoustic Guitar Magazine about Pete Seeger. The story was focused on Pete's correspondence with people who wrote to him. He routinely wrote back to people with encouraging words and answered questions that folks sent to him. He felt it was his responsibility to respond to his fans since they were the ones who supported him. Pete Seeger was a class act as a musician, social justice advocate and just a warm caring person.

[@postmodernhillbilly]

I started on banjo with Pete's red book in 1969 , & I'm still pickin & writing songs today Pete stands as my greatest American hero--a giant of a man

[@micahschultz5795]

I’ve known about Pete Seeger for just a few months, but he has quickly become one of the human beings I admire most

[@CatherineNovak]

Pete Seeger played the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in 1988, and I was one of a lucky group of journalists to sit at his feet and take part in a group interview. It was one of the highlights of my life. Now, with tears running down my cheeks that the world has lost such a wonderful idealist and force for peace, I hope that his influence stays on, years and decades from now. The world needs so many more people like him.

[@EGGUZMAN]

WOW, we need Millions of Pete Seeger's today in this world...What a remarkable and loving human being.

[@mmegraham]

The mighty Banjo warrior!!

[@laurenjacobsen7273]

Yes, absolutely.

[@ahmetkorkmaz3953]

Türkiye'den selamlar

[@philsooty61]

Pete Seeger live at Carnegie Hall 1963 is an unbelievably great album

[@RN_Red_Notes]

Most of communists here In Russia really admire these great songs. He is the greatest worker's singer to my mind. Greetnings from Russia to all workers all over the world! We'll translate, overvoice and publish this film for russian workers!

[@perdurr7985]

I don't have to say "Rest in Peace" to you. You *lived* peace. Farewell, you beautiful, beautiful man.

[@Bozwell42]

Per, how heartily I agree. Pete was my dearest friend, although we never met, and he never knew it. Has been so since the early days of The Weavers, your words express exactly my feelings also.

[@landonshanerthebanjokid5906]

Agreed

[@alinevennemann1904]

@@Bozwell42 Pete + Per = Peter

[@cherylfugate7517]

So well said.

[@ligialewis2182]

A heart-felt thanks to all who made this lovely documentary about the amazing and inspiring Father of American Folk Music. I'm almost 80 years old , and I became aware of Pete with that Weavers' concert in Carnegie Hall way back in the 50's . His clear, proud voice caught me first , then his prodigious musicianship , and when I got a little older , his sheer and beautiful humanity . I was too young at the time to understand our government's nasty efforts in silencing and destroying Pete for ridiculous reasons , but those were nasty years in our political life . However, they kept him off the air for a long time , but he kept on being Pete and spreading his love for peace and equality and justice for all . And his message was too important , and he thrived and the American folk music world developed and grew . There is no other person who has so influenced my life like Pete Seeger . I consider him to be my father, my brother , my friend , my teacher and mentor . His inspiration burns still in my soul . God loves you, Pete , as does much of the world . Your ideas and ideals live on , in spite of some awesome and dark challenges . George Lewis, Sr.

[@Bozwell42]

Very well said, you are speaking for me also.

[@seasidecharles]

I think if I had to choose only one word to describe Pete Seeger, the word would be "authentic." Completely original, he has never wavered from his early beliefs, never sold out. He is wonderful. The world is lucky to still have him around.

[@Cultureboy]

I discovered Pete Seeger as a 12 year old when my unsuspecting parents gave me a copy of the Weavers 1961 reunion Concert at Carnegie Hall.From the quiet provincial city of Geelong my heart and politics were formed by the music and passion of this man. I owe a lifetime of political awareness and action for justice to Pete Seeger and now approaching 60 I want to express my gratitude and pride in what this son of America has taught me as a world citizen who loves singing.

[@anya_samayer_galpo]

Men like Pete Seeger never die; they live among those who fight for peace and freedom. Long live Pete Seeger - you are our mentor, you will be in our heart.

[@kevinharron6134]

Well said my friend, peace is something that most people should strive for but we humans must be stupid.

[@anya_samayer_galpo]

I agree; but still we should preserve hope. Because, that is the difference between sanity and insanity.

[@carolewhitrock3979]

We stand on his shoulders 🔮❤️‍🔥🪬

[@anneli1735]

….and these days again we need to fight for the right to call out the truth - let’s sing together for the freedom of speech and peace for the world and no chemicals ruining our sources of life 🙄

[@ahmetkorkmaz3953]

Barış ve özgürlük savaşçıları ölmez

[@cmclaren7]

What an inspiration for such a pivotal time in our country. Pete Seeger had the power of convection, the strength of love and the gift of music that still moves me today. May he rest in peace.

[@waimbuthia820]

This man was the epitome of peace, love & kindness. I'm very glad he lived a long, happy married/family & creative life. I know he continues to live in eternal peace. Thank you for a great legacy, Mr. Pete Seeger. And poor BRILLIANT Paul Robeson & the way America tortured him & has ANY other woke Black person who could uplift himself & his people! America, you have a lot to atone for. Your actions didn't/don't shortchange only Blacks in this country but everyone else in it regardless of race, religion, creed or gender.

[@janlindtner305]

We are singing, not because we are together, we are together because we sing. Never forget our great poets. ❤❤❤

Pete Seeger for Peace and Justice.....Thank you Pete.....

[@thudor1]

Thanks to Oleg Chernov for posting this! SOLIDARITY FOREVER!!!

[@nancygillam9819]

WOW I had forgotten the impact this man had on our lives growing up. Really enjoyed this.

[@ArizonoJio]

Pete Seeger is a beautiful human being. If anyone deserved a Nobel Peace Prize, he should be it. I appreciate his love for music and his love for human beings.

[@gusmac666]

I have watched this deco three times now and it brings me to tears every time. Bless you Pete Seeger.

[@christophlieding734]

Pete Seeger is one of them where my heart opens up and I go deep. Jumped from Joni M. over to this one. Glad I was part of this time. Hope people like that never die. From Germany all the best. Crying big time.

[@johnnyfoxy]

What a wonderful man, sadly missed. Love that scene at 22:30 when Pete and Toshi are walking through Greenwich Village and a woman approaches them and another woman blows a kiss and touches his jacket as if she was blessing him. Of course the whole documentary is great but that scene is unforgettable. Miss you Pete.

[@robertpamler5372]

R.I.P Pete Seeger 🪕

[@lydiahicks8473]

This is a man who lived his truth! I adore everything about him. He is/was a High Priest.

[@suzannethomas9100]

Yes he was an icon of our time!

[@patrigkernoa3628]

How many of us have taken a guitar and started to sing because they wanted to follow you? Thanks for every thing.

[@garystepp1054]

I always liked his music but did not know a lot of the details presented in this documentary. It took a strong personal constitution and unflappable bravery to be Pete Seeger. What a tremendous inspiration he is for human beings everywhere.

[@lawrenceb56]

What a man. What a legend. What an artist. What a citizen of the world. What a life!

[@pinburg]

An incredible man. He did what he was put on this earth to do. An example to us all.

[@siwlavirago1624]

Pete Seeger , what a human being!, such a wonderful all round person. Today I found a 2002 edition of his 'How To Play 5-String Banjo', what a find !, I'm over the moon as I couldn't afford a brand new one. Now I can learn to play my banjo with lessons from THE MASTER. I just can't say how joyous I feel !.

[@joyhecht]

Where is Pete now when we need people like him to change what is happening in our country and our world?

[@cantguarddamian9911]

He's dead.

[@willowvons]

Like Joe Hill, he never died. He's in you and me and everyone who can see.

[@user-xp9xr7en8x]

we are here ain't we? pete's crew....

[@renefraters8780]

A great soul has left mother earth, but what a rejoicing in heaven. a mahatma, a great soul in coming in. Don't be sad, there is only joy! love and peace from Holland.

[@soaringvulture]

Yes, Pete was indeed a mahatma.

[@michaelparpa5390]

Beautiful person Pete Seeger ,peace loving ,activist ,poet ,composer and music hero ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🪕🪕🪕

[@torvicbaer1446]

This was great. RIP to a wonderful man

[@SAFETYHOOD]

Amazing Talent - Songs you can understand with meaning that encompasses all time. Never to grow old.

[@kenjollofsky]

Trying to respond to Diane Henkel below: I have a photo of Pete Seeger from probably 1966 in Central Park. My mom had brought me there for a peace demonstration, one of the early ones against the war in Vietnam. In the photo, Pet has his guitar slung behind his back, with his hands out to the sides, holding back his entourage. He was holding back the entourage because a child, myself, was trying to take his picture with my first camera as they were walking towards me. That's who he was.

[@catcat1517]

Pete Seeger was our national conscience and our national treasure. ❤

[@tommylauritsen1979]

thank you for the music and thank you for everything you have done you are a legend ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ManuelRCrespo]

I always remember Pete, the best folk singer and one of the best men. We need men like these.

[@Ryven1]

I am sad to hear of Pete's passing, not for him, but for the world. A light has dimmed; who will pick up that torch and carry it forward? Either way, he lives on in our hearts and in our lives, for he influenced so many of us to aim higher and live better. He brought about change through peace; the only change that will last. RIP

[@KENAVO93]

Dear Pete I have learned so much from you starting with my first words of english through your songs when I was 14 years old . Now as a Frenchman of 65 I can see you on the internet and listen without problem . So thank you for all the humanity you gave us . Rest in peace

[@marieotis7320]

I learned things I never knew about Pete while watching this. I was fortunate enough to see him with Arlo in Vermont years ago. I passed my love for him on to my children. My daughter has his banjo and it’s saying tattooed onto her arm. I couldn’t be prouder of her.

[@reachxdias]

Excellent tribute to a great man. Thank you all for making this documentary

[@vogelfrau2425]

'Ode an die Freude' auf dem Banjo. Beeindruckend. Etwas langsamer gespielt ist es ein Hochgenuss. So ein Banjo mit einem, wie hier, fähigen Spieler, hat eine grosse Bandbreite.

[@robert2628]

I was Fortnite to have met Pete Seeger when I was around 18 . He played at El Camino college in Torrance California. RIP Pete.

[@ankokor7460]

R.I.P. Mr. Seeger. God Bless you. Thank you for the wonderful songs.

[@wbworkout]

His music and words still inspire me to be a better human being.

[@lovesings2us]

Me too. He and his songs live in my heart. Like a torch in the night. Urging me to work with others for justice and love.

[@wbworkout]

@@lovesings2us We are Climbing Jacobs Ladder!

[@lovesings2us]

@@wbworkout 🪕🗽❤🌍🕊

[@wbworkout]

@@lovesings2us I used to be in a singing group called the Power Of Song. It was a Pete Seeger revival Group out of Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music headed up by Mark Dvorak who actually met Pete and learned a few things from him. When I ,over here I started yup a Pete Seeger Sing A Long Concert each May to commemorate Petes Birthday. This concert was more of a sing a long concert and included about 12 other musicians from the area. We did it for two years and then Covid hit and the local music community went into "hiding." During the Pan dermic we lost a few musicians and now others are older and very ill, really great old timers who knew all the folk music for Petes era. It was great. while it lasted. We still haver an Open Mic once a month locally at one of the bars and also get together to sig at the senior center once a month but our musical fellowship took a hit during COVID. I now live in Western Michigan, South Haven. Most of the present musicians are mostly doing covers and originals and not much of the classic folk music or Pete's music. When I tried to gather musicians to help me do the Peter Concerts I was told by a few "No' because Pete was a communist. Can ya imagine that after all these yeas and all that Pete did? Safe journeys in these chaotic times.

[@BrianStollery]

To my old brown earth. And to my old blue sky. I'll now give these last few molecules of "I." Rest in Pete

[@patriciarose-wagner8027]

I went looking for a video of Pete playing his music - to lift my spirits and to sing along - and I found this incredible, beautiful Documentary. Thank you for sharing it. It brought me to tears , renewed my heart and my courage. I remember watching Pete play at President Obama's Inaugeral Celebration - so wonderful that he could be there! He was and is an inspiration, always. Part of how I got clear about the character of RFK Jr. (putting himself forward to run for President of our dear country) was when he promoted himslef, as an environmental lawyer, for saving the Hudson River. He has never once mentioned or spoken about The Clearwater and Pete Seeger and all of the regular people who made it possible. Thank you Pete, for your music, your courage, your honesty and your love.

[@dougoinsg]

Thanks for posting this wonderful tribute to this amazing being Pete Seeger, and to PBS for doing such a fabulous video. As some else commented, I didn't want it to end. But as Pete sang, to everything turn turn, there is a season. I feel like a better person for having watched this.

[@msy77]

Yesterday, somehow, I didnt know who Pete Seeger was. Today, I do. I wish I had known sooner. What a great man. RIP

[@williamgeorge8308]

Rest in peace Pete Seeger. We're going to work together to put the world together.

[@robinhood480]

Good luck 😉 Let me know how that works out.

[@SAFETYHOOD]

A treasure for all of mankind to enjoy and his songs and work live on

[@robinengland5799]

Wonderful man!!! Thank you Pete and Toshi!!!

[@HelianaSuper]

Pete, Bob, Joan, Peter, Paul and Mary... Blowin in the wind... We shall ovecome!🎸🎸🌻🌻🎸🎸🐦🐦✨✨🌹🌹🙌🙌💖💖

[@judythompson5253]

what an incredible life this man lived. And what a legacy he has left.

[@jonratliff5745]

Pete has been such an influence on my own songs and mindset.

[@tonywynack7455]

Vale Pete. You are my inspiration. I am 65 yo from Australia. Thank you for your music, your bravery, your leadership and how to live LIFE!

[@SongC4tcher]

RIP Pete. Best of the best. A legend in his own lifetime.

[@andygray]

What a great man and a true American patriot, he protested war and inequality and fought for justice and civil rights for the poor his whole life.

[@normitabarranco3378]

If you like communists.

[@soaringvulture]

@@normitabarranco3378 Why can't you recognize a great man? What is this "communist" label that makes you reject all he's done? If Pete Seeger is a communist, then yes, I like communists. ESAD.

[@royemembury6324]

​@@normitabarranco3378 what a totally ignorant, uneducated comment.

[@unwavery]

@@normitabarranco3378 what are you a slavemaster? a feudalist? a dictator in charge of a corporation? nothing wrong with communism.

[@judythompson5253]

watched the whole thing. Im a child of the 50s and 60s and I remember Pete, saw him once in a concert, and never forgot. He was an amazing man, from start to finish. I miss him every day.

[@FukcYuo-cy5yg]

nothing i can say could add to how great pete was

[@HelianaSuper]

I'm knowing Peter Seeger, now, when I'm 70 years old, many time ago of the passed way of Seeger. So I thank very much that persons that upload the videos with the wonderful work of this extraordinary artist: Peter Seeger.

[@velocitygirl8551]

How beautiful she looks on her wedding day!

[@HelianaSuper]

My God! The power of the Song... Give me wish to be a singer and sing, sing, sing....

[@jantermorshuizen7077]

Freedom lives on, but how we'll miss it's greatest interpreter...

[@jamesadams9027]

very movinginspiring to see the other side of America for a changethank you Peteand to PBS

[@Bimashofer]

What a guy, what a great soul, what an idol, unique in character, love and talent! Happyness in heaven, tears on earth!

[@danielgiraud1118]

Comment se fait-il que j'écoutais toutes les chansons de ce film il y a déjà 60 ans ? L'inconvénient majeur c'est que j'étais le seul dans ce cas dans une ville de 200 000 habitants.... C'est dingue de constater la peur congénitale de ces pauvres idiots de Yanks pour les communistes. Il faut bien qu'ils s'occupent.... "the only good Commie is one who's dead and you know that peace can only be won when we've blown ‘em all to kingdom come." Ce n'est pas aujourd'hui que l'on verrait une jeunesse unie marcher pour une belle et même cause comme la marche sur Washington pour l'emploi et la liberté le 28 août 1963, devant le Lincoln Memorial. Et comme disait Robert Allen Zimmerman : "I wish, I wish, I wish in vain that we could sit simply in that room again ; ten thousand dollars at the drop of a hat, I'd give it all gladly if our lives could be like that". Now as through this world Pete Seeger rambled, he saw lots of funny men. Some will rob you with a six-gun, some with a fountain pen.

[@barbworlds]

Thanks for posting this. I was aware that Pete seeger is an important figure in American culture, but this made me even more aware of this. Very moving and inspiring , thanks.

[@Arkybark]

Happy Birthday, Pete - 94 years old today

[@mitpittman]

a voice of justice for many generations

[@antsuaper]

Gracias, Pete, por el legado que nos has dejado. God bless you!!!

[@barbaramuerdter8228]

Thanks for your song and your attitude. R.I.P.

[@barbaramuerdter8228]

www.popkontext.de/index.php/2014/01/29/pete-seeger-die-gute-seele-amerikas/

[@J.B24]

I'm so glad American Masters did this. We need to learn from brave people like Pete. And he's a natural storyteller lol.

[@alexdaly8360]

A true American patriot. Thank you Pete, wish I coulda sang with you.

[@kevinharron6134]

Pete Seeger certainly lived a full life. A great man. Compassionate should be his surname.

[@zauberer1304]

so oft hab ich diesen film gesehen... doch jedesmal rollen die tränen.. seit meinem 12. lebensjahr prägen mich pete seeger und leonard cohen... pete für die fröhliche seite ..cohen für die schwarze seele in mir.... respekt ... wünschte alle menschen dieser welt hätten etwas von pete´s weltanschauung und innerem frieden...i love him..

[@karenbaumgartel6077]

What an amazing wife this amazing man had! He picked the right woman...

[@gmenezesdea]

Much love and admiration for Pete Seeger From Brazil

[@mitpittman]

Pete exemplifies all that is beautiful about the American spirit.

[@randymillage8415]

Pete Seeger kept alive the hopes of the poor, oppressed and those who believe God intended this world to be shared amongst all of us.

[@nerah]

Beautiful lovely people Thank you all RIP Toshi & Pete

[@rich836]

Deep in my heart Pete Seeger.....the power of song indeed

[@christinedureau3467]

Wonderful. Thank yo so much!

[@shinminwang]

a life full of passion, caring and humanity.. Instead of making music history, he made history with music

[@sonnykim83]

I was deeply moved by this great documentary about one of the greatest singers of the world, who kept singing through all his life! I've never seen so many scenes of Pete singing and talking before! It's triumphant! Precious work that will be watched from generation to generation!

[@Barituneful]

"Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe We shall overcome, some day" Requiescat In Pace, Pete. Keep pickin' that banjo, you marvellous man...

[@OddZodd]

Oh, but how would they respond today?

[@djdrews]

@@OddZodd Today, we are experiencing the resistance to Light. As Love, Peace, and Freedom fill the minds and hearts of humans through music, art, and spirituality, those who wish to keep humanity in servitude, fear, and darkness step up their game in order to regain control. It is the way of life in the physical realm; that is, the realm of both darkness and light. Duality. The ultimate goal will be the victory of Light. For this to happen, a fair number of humans must first choose it and hold it dear -- they must become heart-centered. The more Light in the world, the more darkness fights for its survival. Understanding this dynamic, we realize that it is SELF-mastery that chooses love, self-acceptance, peace, joy, happiness, kindness, self-expression, creativity as the path to Freedom. Be the change you want to see in the world. Forget about those who can't. Their darkness will only bring you down. :) Blessings

[@DennisThompson-oc9hh]

Pete Seeger thank you thank you thank you❤

[@christophlieding734]

I do know some or more americans are looking for "greatness" and that Seeger spirit is the real thing and true greatness. From europe :" Please unite again". Ps. we are with you if you wanted or not. But lol for real lets do the togetherness >> just take Joni M. pete Seeger and many others. Looking forward to that. Peace/ love & Gesundheit

[@katetsubata]

He followed in the age-old tradition of the minstrel, who was part entertainer and part historian and part social activist. We need brave minstrels in every age.

[@birdmannewsbirdmannews6995]

To sing for peace was a call for justice ànd sanity Where have all the flowers ģone

[@Desdelaperiferia]

what a Great American....God Bless you, Pete, there in heaven.....

[@zloewen]

great film - thanks for that - I love his voice and his songs - thanks Pete - R.I.P

[@pkrnger]

He deserves the Nobel Peace Prize

[@maryatvan]

To everything turn turn turn, there is a season turn turn turn, and a time for every purpose under heaven. ♡

[@geraldinespalton5465]

Wonderful Pete.❤xxx

[@garbagetruck3874]

A true American hero ❤️❤️

[@nathanielrossi9659]

The power that pete could create with the crowd is absolutely chilling an you can feel the beauty in your soul.

[@mirkokukic737]

R.I.P. Pete Seeger.Without you the world will never be the same.

[@beverlydwyer5162]

She’s a doll ,his wife. Nice couple.

[@prakithomas3833]

A MAN OF GOD. PEACE LOVE JOY.

[@lemanyishoeabraham4638]

great inspiration