His Land, Our Land

Pete Seeger lived a long time, scored points as an activist, challenged the high mucky-mucks whenever he had the opportunity--and the opportunities never diminish--and generally lived what could be described as an exemplary life.

I'm happy that after considerable early success and his inevitable fall-off, after rock became the dominant musical idiom in mass culture, that he was able to rebound, and the influence he earned as a songster was at last recognized by the multitudes, not to mention the rockers who paid homage to his works over the years.

The most famous, of course, being "Turn, Turn, Turn," as interpreted by Roger McQuinn and the Byrds.

I tried to see him live at Southern Oregon College (now Southern Oregon State) my freshman year, 1970, but alas the show sold out at the door and I was left among the stragglers offered an opportunity to watch the concert via closed-circuit television from a nearby building on campus.

The broadcast was in black and white and grainy in the manner of the era, and I recall that I did not care much for the show, which sort of sealed the deal for me. I didn't like Pete's voice.

It lacked a certain expressiveness that I favor in singers--call it a performance dynamism or something. But that was of course missing the entire point.  Pete didn't need to knock you out with his voice, and in all honesty he probably recognized his own limitations as much as anyone.

Here in fact is a not unimportant realization about Seeger.  He inspired millions to pick up guitars and banjos and attempt to sing a version of the truth.

Rest in peace, Pete.  You did good.


TS