After 70 years as a performer, writer, and social activist, Pete Seeger is a living American institution. While preparing for this program, I was reminded of what a masterful performance Seeger can deliver to a crowd of children. You can just hear the way he takes over the audience, exciting them to fevered participation before bringing them gently back to listening mode. He once said “Participation! It’s what all my work has been about.”
Pete Seeger
I saw Pete Seeger perform at the First Unitarian Church in Los Angeles while in my early teens and listened to his Folkways recordings over and over. Several years ago in New York, I had the privilege of meeting Pete at a book shop where he gave an informal concert on a Sunday morning. He signed my well-worn copy of “Abi Yo Yo,” turning one of my favorite storybooks into a real treasure.
Pete Seeger: Children’s Concert at Town Hall, April 28, 1962
Oh Shenandoah
Skip to my Lou
Git Along, Little Dogies
Didn’ Ol’ John Cross the Water on his Knees
Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal
I’ve Been Working on the Railroad
Riding in my Car
Put Your Finger in the Air
The Foolish Frog
Ilka’s Bedouin Tune
Frere Jacques
Fisherman’s Song
It Could Be a Wonderful World
Abiyoyo
Let Everyone Clap Hands Like Me
Michael Row the Boat Ashore
Ha, Ha Thisaway
De Grey Goose
Be Kind to Your Parents
This Land Is Your Land