Peter Seeger: Remembering a Legend

Born on May 3, 1919, Pete Seeger was an iconic singer-songwriter best known for his contributions to the American folk music revival and his political activism. He wrote hits like "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" and "Turn, Turn, Turn," which have since been recorded by several other artists. Seeger was also an engaged activist, supporting such causes as international disarmament, civil rights and environmental awareness. For his established career as a musician and activist, Seeger received three musical Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, among various other honors, during his lifetime.

Seeger was known for his political activism as well as his pivotal role in the 1960s American folk music revival. According to the Encyclopedia of Folk, Country, and Western Music, Seeger was a "father figure whose contributions as an artist and writer were highly valued by people of all ages in and out of the music field."

Seeger received several high honors in the 1990s. In 1993, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was awarded a National Medal of Arts a year later, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Following the release of his 1996 album, Pete, Seeger won a Grammy Award for best traditional folk album. That same year, he published an autobiography entitled Where Have All the Flowers Gone. Seeger is regarded as a 20th century icon today!

Jeff Haynes is a Grammy award winning, world-renowned percussionist who has toured with everyone from the Pat Metheny Group, Al Jarreau and Boney James to Harry Belafonte and Peabo Bryson. His chops can be heard on over 100 CDs. Blue Note recording artist Cassandra Wilson said, “He brings fire and heart to my music,” who featured Haynes in her touring and recording band for over 15 years.

Jeff brings a sound to today’s music scene that takes percussion beyond “technique” and “tradition”. In recorded and stage performances, he moves effortlessly from varied and subtle textures. In 2011, he was part of the rhythmic force supporting the legendary Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter and the celebrated Cassandra Wilson, Chaka Khan, Aimee Mann, Brian Blade and Glen Hansard.

Pete Seeger and Jeff at the Cabin As a composer and producer Jeff has a gift for bringing just the right performing artist and instrumentation to production each composition. Jeff is the founder and President of Komunyaka Music, Inc, a multi-faceted music production company offering percussion based workshops featuring professional storytellers, spoken word artists, dancers, and musicians.

Like Pete, Jeff spends time in the local schools teaching children music. Jeff works with 5th graders in Beacon on a drumming and spoken word program that helps students internalize and express the realities of Slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Jeff has spent the last three and a half years producing the music for this project.

Don't miss this intriguing performance at The American Theatre on Saturday, May 6 at 8pm! 

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Source: biography.com