Biografía

He was one of Bob Dylan's biggest advocates among the folk scene. When Dylan went "electric" (with a backing band) at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, however, Seeger was reported to be enraged and even, some claim, tried to severe the power to the amplifiers with an ax. Seeger, for his part, said this never happened but admitted to being annoyed at the time, not because Dylan was "turning his back" on folk music but because he and his friends couldn't hear any of the words over the rock music on what they felt was an overly loud, poorly mixed sound-system.

He wrote the song "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)", which was recorded by Judy Collins and later became a #1 hit for The Byrds in 1965. The lyrics were adapted from the Old Testament of the Bible; namely from the Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, Verses 1-8.

Has performed with both Woody Guthrie and Arlo Guthrie.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 (under the category Early Influence).

He was a composer, lyricist, vocalist, and banjo player.

(About his songs) "Some may find them merely diverting melodies. Others may find them incitements to Red revolution. And who will say if either or both is wrong? Not I." - (Interview: "Rolling Stone Magazine"; April 13, 1972)

Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't.

Songs are weapons.

[I receive letters] asking if I will come and accept an award someplace. This is a more general letter: "Dear so and so, thank you for your invitation, but...." A big word "but." I work hard on these letters: "My lefty reputation kept me out of the spotlight, but now I've blown my cover. I have to say no to all sorts of good people who want me to listen to their CD, read their book...."

People wanting autographs. I have a special form letter that starts off: "I wish I could persuade you that collecting autographs is one of the more foolish ways we can spend our precious days. There are important things needing to be done in every community." How can people be brought together to do these important things? I've tried with banjos and boats.