At one point in "Pete Seeger: The Power of Song," former President Bill Clinton makes a very important distinction between Seeger and every other important musician of his time - Seeger did not only make music history, but made "history with his music."
This idea aptly sums up the message of the new documentary, directed by Jim Brown, which recalls the folk artist's life through footage and interviews with those who knew him and those inspired by him. Not only was Seeger a prominent figure of the folk revolution of the '60s, but he was also influential in instilling a political, progressive spirit amongst the entire generation that had lasting effects.
The film focuses on Seeger's personal activism and political involvement, beginning with his affiliation with the Communist Party that ultimately led to his classification as a misunderstood patriot.
Seeger was a deep believer in many liberal values like racial integration and labor unions, and it drew controversy. Like many leftist artists of the time, his refusal to sign a loyalty oath for the House of Un-American Activities Committee ultimately led to his blacklisting from radio and television for nearly two decades. During this time, Seeger organized "singing labor movements" and taught elementary school children how to play the banjo (quite possibly influencing a rising generation of Vietnam protestors and Civil Rights activists).
Considering Seeger's nearly 20 years out of the spotlight, it's pretty incredible to watch Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie discuss his huge musical influence. The film makes it clear that, although Seeger was forced to be a something of a hidden figure, he was certainly not invisible and was in fact a driving influence of folk music in the '50s and '60s.
Not only do the folk greats sing his praises throughout the film, but so do a slew of other popular music and political figures, including Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, and former New York State Governor George Pataki. Praise from Clinton was of particular importance to the film; the former president's words seemed to define Seeger as a national hero. Clinton cited both his music and his outspoken political views as cause for commemoration.
This weighty voice reinforces the idea that Seeger, like many of America's blacklisted, was drastically mislabeled by the persecutory congressional hearings. While he was believed to be "Un-American" because of his divergent political beliefs, he may have, in fact, been one of America's greatest patriots. He fought for an America that he thought to be more peaceful and free. Seeger was a pioneer throughout the Civil Rights movement and his activism continued throughout the country's subsequent turbulent years.
He fought to end the Vietnam War through his music, writing now classic songs such as "Where Have all the Flowers Gone?" Later in life, Seeger spent time organizing the Hudson River Valley community in an effort to clean up the river and become more environmentally conscious.
If you're a folk fan, this movie is an absolute must-see. It sheds light on the roots of the movement and the man who really brought it to fruition. "Pete Seeger: The Power of Song," however, is for anybody fan interested in seeing some pretty powerful evidence of music effecting change. Brown shows fascinating shots of Seeger plucking away at his beloved banjo and effectively gives the audience a taste of what his intimate shows were really like.
