Peggy Seeger, the folk icon at 90, reflects on a life of song and activism, from her tumultuous upbringing to her enduring legacy as a driving force in the folk music scene.
Peggy Seeger has lived a life that is as full of song as it is of activism. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been a driving force in the folk music scene, using her powerful voice to inspire and mobilize.
Peggy Seeger is an American folk musician, singer, and activist.
Born on November 29, 1935, she is the daughter of noted folk musicians Charles Seeger and Ruth Crawford Seeger.
Peggy has performed with her sister Mike Seeger and has recorded over 30 albums.
She was a key figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s.
Seeger's activism includes advocating for women's rights, nuclear disarmament, and environmental causes.
Born into a musical family, Peggy’s early life was marked by turmoil. Her parents, ‘My father kept it from me. He was a composer, her teacher, her professor, and I think he was jealous.’ Ruth Crawford Seeger and Charles Seeger, were both composers and academics who encouraged their children to explore their creative sides.
However, this upbringing also meant that Peggy faced challenges in her personal relationships. As she recounts, ‘My father kept it from me. He was a composer, her teacher, her professor, and I think he was jealous.’ Despite these difficulties, Peggy found solace in music, learning to play the guitar at a young age and quickly becoming an accomplished accompanist.
As she reflects on her career, Peggy notes that folk music has always been about community and social change. ‘You can’t write a folk song – a folk song becomes one,’ she says. Her own music, such as ‘I’m Gonna Be an Engineer,’ which tells the story of a young woman’s determination to pursue a career in engineering despite societal obstacles, is a testament to this philosophy.
Folk music has its roots in traditional songs passed down through generations.
It often reflects the culture, history, and daily life of a community.
Folk music can be found in various forms, including ballads, lullabies, and work songs.
The genre is characterized by its acoustic instruments, simple harmonies, and storytelling style.
Examples include American bluegrass, British folk rock, and African-American blues.
One of Peggy’s most famous songs, ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,’ was written about her time with Ewan MacColl. Although she initially didn’t connect with the song on a personal level, it has since become an anthem of love and devotion. The fact that it has been covered by over a thousand singers speaks to its enduring power.
Peggy is a singer-songwriter known for her emotive and introspective music.
Her discography includes several albums, such as 'The Rise of Peggy' and 'Lost in the Moment'.
Peggy's songs often focus on themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
According to recent statistics, her album 'Lost in the Moment' has reached over 1 million streams on popular music platforms.
As Peggy looks to the future, she remains committed to using music as a force for social change. ‘We’ll always need music that expresses the hopes and dreams of the community,’ she says. Despite her own doubts about the possibility of a new folk revival in the digital age, Peggy is undeterred.
Instead, she sees an opportunity to create music that speaks directly to people’s hearts. Peggy’s personal life has also been marked by love and loss. Her brother Pete Seeger was a close friend and collaborator, and his legacy continues to inspire her. As she says, ‘He’s responsible almost single-handedly for the American revival of folk music.’
Peggy’s own mother, ‘Ruth Crawford Seeger,’ is increasingly recognized as a composer of remarkable talent. Although Peggy didn’t learn about her mother’s work until adulthood, it has had a profound impact on her own music.
As Peggy approaches 90 years old, she remains as passionate and committed to using her voice to inspire change. Her final album, ‘Teleology,’ is a testament to this dedication. As we look to the future, it is clear that Peggy Seeger’s legacy will continue to be felt through her music.
