Pete Seeger, 1919-2014

A giant has left our world. With millions, we mourn Pete’s departure on Monday, January 27th. We share his family’s sorrow for the loss of his daily presence, following so closely the death last July of his beloved wife and their beloved mother/grandmother Toshi.

Yet even as we grieve—“we” here refers to the world at large and most especially to the U.S. Left, in which Pete was such an iconic presence for generations—there’s an extraordinary and unprecedented outpouring of joy and gratitude inextricably woven into our sorrow. Pete’s songs are everywhere, joining all of us in his faith that music can change the world.

In 1998, WRL honored Pete with our Peace Award, alongside movement musicians Odetta, Charlie King and the People’s Voice Café. Today, the world celebrates his life with every breath. And in singing we affirm the belief that, against all the odds, we shall overcome.

So here’s to you, Pete, as, in the words of the exuberant old New Orleans funeral march, “The Saints Go Marching In”. Until the last notes die, you are and will be presente!