(From peteseeger.net)
Over my two decades covering music for the big daily in Syracuse, I got the opportunity to talk with a whole lot of interesting people.
One morning, I talked to Pete Seeger on the phone.
He agreed to the interview because he would be coming that little stretch north and west to Central New York to appear at a benefit concert for the Syracuse Peace Council.
In his 80s, Seeger was still standing up for what he believed in.
As I recall, he talked wisely during that 15 minutes or so, about his affection for his beloved Hudson River Valley, and the need for diligently making sure that everybody treated it with proper respect. He covered the state of humankind, and the obligation for making the world better for future generations.
And then I got to watch Pete Seeger perform in the Landmark Theatre, voice still rich, soul still shining.
He shared the stage with a community chorus. I watched him interact with the singers, of all ages.
It was obvious that their eyes and ears were wide open, evaluating the moment.
That’s the way Pete Seeger wanted it.
He died at age 94 Monday.
The picture and quote above is from the appreciation page posted on peteseeger.net.
Pete Seeger was a folk singer in a time when that meant he stood up for folks all over the world, using his voice, instrument, insight and platform to shine his light. He was a pioneer voice in the protest movement. He was a protector, of people and nature. He was a champion.
Remember: We Shall Overcome. Turn, Turn, Turn.
Mark Bialczak 
My personal Pete Seeger Story …Zulu Delta
http://zuludelta45.net/2014/01/29/a-man-walks-into-a-tent/
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This was a special memorial for a man who was a legend and now, since you had a chance to actually speak with him, we know he was considerate, ‘real’ and a peaceful man. I thought he would be nice, just never got to see him in person! Great post, Mark! Smiles, Robin
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My past life as music writer and critic for the Syracuse daily afforded me the opportunity to talk to and observe the work of many famous people. It was quite enlightening and oftentimes enriching. Thanks, Robin.
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I love beautiful people. Thank you Mark. I’m listening to him while I do my emails this morning. He “feels” good. 🙂
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Great tribute choice this morning, Colleen. Folksy Thursday to remember.
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He was splendid. It was quite folksy. I started singing his song today and my boss joined in, the maintenance man joined in, and my coworker joined in. 🙂 Great folksy Thursday indeed. 🙂
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!!! Yippee modern hippie moment. Love it Colleen.
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😀
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What a wonderful portrait you’ve painted. Pete Seeger does sound like a true folk hero. I’m glad you had the opportunity to interview him.
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It was such a treat to watch him in action with the community chorus members of all ages, Judy. A legend that lived up to his billing, for sure.
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oh, this is a beautiful tribute to this very special man, mark. how lucky you are to have had the opportunity to have a conversation with him, and to see him perform and interact with the local people. he will be missed by so many –
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He lived to 94, and made the most of every one of his days. Thanks for your kind words, Beth.
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Mr. Seeger was a surprise guest at last Farm Aid 2013, which was held at Saratoga. Of course, he wasn’t on the bill, and his stepping on stage sprung a SPAC-wide standing ovation (for those who were actually sitting). He initiated a sing-a-long, belting out a line and waited for the crowd to repeat, and this all led to the chorus–singing in unison–where we all were reminded that “this land was made for you and me.”
It was a fantastic blessing to have gotten to see Seeger, and listen to his messages that have resonated throughout all these years.
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Yes, Chris, I got chills watching him react with the local singers of all ages at the Landmark Theatre.
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Seeger had a genuine stage presence, and I am sure he smiled the whole time while up on stage. Aside the phone, did you get a chance to meet him in person?
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No, I was in the crowd observing for my review in the morning paper.
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Thank you for this, Mark.
My son goes to sleep away camp in upstate NY, right near where Pete Seeger lived. Every summer, even at his advanced age, he came and gave musical workshops with the kids. For the pure joy of being with them. I’m so glad my son was able to experience a tiny bit of his magic.
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Being a man of the people and for the people is what made him so special, and you saw that firsthand, Samara.
Lucky you and your son.
In my twitter post to tease the story this morning I hash-tagged it #FolkHero. I think that says it, too.
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Beautifully said, Mark.
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Thank you, Sheena. I was pretty hopped up to get to talk to this legend on the phone.
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