On This Day

Pete Seeger

Musician

Born: Died: American

Peter Seeger (May 3, 1919 – January 27, 2014) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and left-wing social activist. He was a fixture on nationwide radio in the 1940s and had a string of hit records in the early 1950s as a member of The Weavers, especially their recording of Lead Belly's "Goodnight, Irene", which topped the charts for 13 weeks in 1950. Members of the Weavers were blacklisted during the McCarthy Era. In the 1960s, Seeger re-emerged on the public scene as a prominent singer of protest music in support of international disarmament, civil rights, workers' rights, counterculture, environmental causes, and ending the Vietnam War.

Among the prolific songwriter's best-known songs are "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" (with additional lyrics by Joe Hickerson), "If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song)" (with Lee Hays of the Weavers), "Kisses Sweeter than Wine" (also with Hays), and "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)", which has been recorded by many artists both in and outside the folk revival movement.

Notable For

American musician and social activist

Pete Seeger's Historical Timeline

  1. Pete Seeger is born

    Pete Seeger, American musician, known for american musician and social activist, was born on 1919-05-03.

  2. Folksinging trio Peter, Paul & Mary win their 1st Grammy for cover version of Pete Seeger's song "If I Had a Hammer"

    Folksinging trio Peter, Paul & Mary win their 1st Grammy for cover version of Pete Seeger's song "If I Had a Hammer"

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pete Seeger born?
Pete Seeger was born on 1919-05-03 (American).
What is Pete Seeger known for?
American musician and social activist
What historical events involved Pete Seeger?
Pete Seeger was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Pete Seeger is born, Folksinging trio Peter, Paul & Mary win their 1st Grammy for cover version of Pete Seeger's song "If I Had a Hammer".
When did Pete Seeger die?
Pete Seeger died on 2014-01-01.

Related Years