An homage to the great American troubadour who never lost sight of his debt to the people.
This first authorized film biography poetically documents Pete Seeger’s unique experience and contributions to folk music and society. Seeger (May 3, 1919 – Jan. 27, 2014) introduced America to its own folk heritage, got a whole generation passionate about playing the guitar and picking the banjo, and got them singing together and using music as a force for social change. He deeply believed in the power of song, convinced that individuals can make a difference. Largely misunderstood by his critics, including the U.S. government, for his views on peace, civil rights and ecology, Seeger went from the top of the hit parade to the top of the blacklist — banned from commercial television for more than 17 years. Seeger’s inspiring, but not always easy, story is told by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Maines (the Dixie Chicks), Tom Paxton, Arlo Guthrie, and Seeger himself, through a remarkable historical archive. Directed by Jim Brown. 90 minutes. (PBS)
