Pete Seeger Sings and Answers Questions

In 1967, Pete Seeger was the guest speaker for a two-hour program at the Ford Hall Forum in Boston, MA, on the topic “Music and Social Justice.” Seeger's remarks—interwoven with 35 illustrative songs, mostly excerpts—reveal a widely read and analytical side. His commentary notes both the positive and negative role that songs have played in issues of race, the labor movement, and social justice.

The second half of the program is devoted to Q&A between Seeger and the audience. The ongoing Vietnam War is prominent in this segment; included is discussion about Seeger’s interactions with TV officials over their censorship of his hard-hitting anti-Vietnam War song, “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy,” which he sings in its entirety. An extended enthusiastic round of applause (almost certainly accompanying a standing ovation) concludes the event.

Liner notes provide background, as well as a transcript of the program.

Track Listing

101	Opinions and Social Justice / Backgrounds to Social Songs in Europe and the USA / Social Songs from the Colonial Times to Today / Songs of the Immigrants	Pete Seeger	27:31
102	Labor Songs in the USA / Songs of Predjudices and Protests / Black Revolts in the USA	Pete Seeger	29:07
103	Anti-Vietnam Songs / Waist Deep in the Big Muddy / Arts in a Changing Society / Violence and Protest	Pete Seeger	27:05
104	Woody Guthrie / Afro-American Songs / My Name is Lisa Kalvelage / Union Labor Songs / The Bells of Rhymney	Pete Seeger	27:21