Pete Seeger 1919 – 2014

Biography

Pete Seeger was born on May 3, 1919, in New York City, beginning a life that would span nearly a century. As an American folk singer, he became a distinctive voice in music, drawing from the deep traditions of American song. His career unfolded across decades, during which he dedicated himself to his craft and to the power of music to move people.

Throughout his life, Seeger remained connected to the places that shaped him, spending his final years in Manhattan before passing away on January 27, 2014. His long life allowed him to witness tremendous change in American culture and music, and he left behind a legacy as a folk singer whose work resonated with generations of listeners.

The arc of Seeger’s life—from his birth in New York to his death there—reflects a man rooted in American soil and American song. His contributions to folk music and his lifelong commitment to his art ensured that his influence would extend far beyond his own time, continuing to inspire musicians and audiences long after he was gone.