Folk Alley: Folk Music, Traditional Music, Celtic Music, and World Music

When Pete Seegar was cited by the Unamerican Activities Committee, he found an old civil-war era hymn that was the perfect rejoinder to the committee: "How Can I Keep From Singing". And now I want my grandchildren to sing it at my graveside. It will be enough. However, since I and Pete aren't dead yet, he encourages me and all of us, as always, to keep on singing. And so I do, and will, as long as life and breath remain, just like him.

Posted by William Lockwood on March 04, 2010.

Happy Birthday Pete!!! My husband ,son (3 yrs at the time) and I had the extreme good fortune to be strolling by Gamage's Boatyard in South Bristol, Maine on the beautiful day you were launching the Clearwater and gave an impromtu concert on the spot. I do remember Don Mc Lean was there with you,but I was so beside myself to see YOU I don't remember who else !! I have been a fan since about 1960 listening to a great Folk program on FM radio in Philadelphia. For many hours of Joy ,Thanks and many more Birthdays may you enjoy. Power to the People!!

Posted by Noreen Wilder on May 19, 2009.

Dear Pete Seeger, You have been an inspiration to me, my wife and our children for over forty years. We were lucky enough to pile the family into a VW to got to a concert you led in Santa Monica -- a true delight for all of us! I wish I had more of your albums, but I have a lot of that music in my head. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!

Posted by Gary Massoni on May 18, 2009.

Pete I have been singing with you since 63, I have lost a lot of your albums but i can sing them from the heart. I sing the song to my brother and sister union pipefitters to keep progress going . We know which side you are on

Posted by Francis Kosloski on May 17, 2009.

Dear Pete, Thank you so much for what you do and your passion about EVERYone singing if they want to. Because of you (through your support of Rise Up Singing), I sing in a little band. I have the confidence to sing in front of anyone at any time, and don't worry about making mistakes. I try to spread that love of and confidence in everyday people singing to others. The people I hang out with make music together at concerts and in back yards and driving down the street. You have made a big difference in what my life is. Thank you and happy birthday!

Posted by Noemi Ybarra on May 13, 2009.

Happy Birthday Pete! I've reaped the rewards of hearing your music my whole life. Your legacy will live on in the lives of future generations giving them insight into the priorities and concerns of the previous generation. Cultural anthropologic immortality welcomes Pete Seeger with wide open arms!

Posted by Klundt Pamala on May 10, 2009.

Pete, I only met you in person once, but I still have your autographed album of "Clearwater" and I remember the privilege of shaking your hand. You have always been my favorite folk heroe. BTW, your birthday was very lucky for me. That's when I flew down to San Antonio for a job interview, and after being out of work for 7 months, the next day I got the position!

Posted by Melvin Davidson on May 10, 2009.

Happy Birthday! Your music has warmed my heart my entire life.

Posted by Kim Bunchuck on May 09, 2009.

Happy 90 to you and my mother, both 1919 babies. Thanks to you and her I have a great set of values with the optimism that things can get better for everyone. Your music and her support have raised me from my birth in 1953 to today. What more can one say? Thank you.

Posted by Michael Rogers on May 08, 2009.

Even though I never met you, I've respected your abilities in sharing your music to the world. I wish, (if I did meet you) I would sing as loud as I could for every song you wished any of us to join in with you in any song. Because of you, my Grandfather "Zalman" and my Uncle "Tom Faigin" I learned to play an assortment of folk instruments and more. Every Friday I play bass for our temple in Ventura. It would be an honor to invite you to come and listen to us and visa versa! May your health be strong and the quality of life makes it worth it to enjoy life one day at a time! PEACE Keep In Tune, Jerry S. Faigin - Your disabled friend!

Posted by Jerry S Faigin on May 07, 2009.

Every time I stand up before a crowd to sing, my goal is to get them to join in, sing along, participate. It is a proud legacy - you weren't the first to get a crowd to sing along, but you articulated that goal better than anyone - and succeeded at it. Thank you for your great example and your continuing devotion to good songs sung well together! You help us believe that music can lead us to a better world.

Posted by Ann Zimmerman on May 06, 2009.

Happy Birthday Pete! I first saw you at a Luther League church convention in NY when I was 15 yrs old (40 years ago) and you had a profound effect on my ideals, beliefs and music. Your impact on the world has been monumental and is timeless. Keep smiling and keep singing!

Posted by Ron Trosvig on May 06, 2009.

Happy Birthday, Pete! You are a true American hero. You sing for / stand for / work for / speak for the best we can be. Thank you for all your energy and faith in making the world a better and happier place. We love you! Nita and Ed

Posted by Nita Hansen on May 05, 2009.

Thank you for the music of my life for more than 50 years, and thank you for saving the Hudson River in my home state. Long may you run! Sandy Barbic

Posted by Sandy Barbic on May 05, 2009.

Your music and spirit are a wonderful gift to the world. Thanks for all you did to clean up the Hudson. Happy Birthday

Posted by Sandra Hildreth on May 05, 2009.

Dear Pete , A belated happy birthday to you ! It's just impossible to convey in a few words how much you've meant to me over the years ..... Long may you ramble yet ! We met at the Danish Tønder Festival back in 1990 , and I'll treasure that memory forever . It was my dad who introduced you to me , back when I was very young and more into that young Bob Dylan guy - I'll always be grateful for that !

Posted by Eva Johansen on May 04, 2009.

Dear Pete...It took 3 days to get signed up to this list just to wish you a happy birthday, so please know I mean it: Thank you, thank you, thank you...Love you, love you, love you...Hug you, hug you, hug you! You are forever.

Posted by Iris Wilson on May 04, 2009.

Still a few minutes for this night owl to send a hoot of congratulations to Pete on his 90th. Thanks for helping save our noble old Hudson ... and for the music you brought to our ears and hearts ... music that flows on forever ...

Posted by R.D. Eno on May 03, 2009.

Dear Pete, Thank you for your courage, your compassion and your commitment. Thanks for all of your music and for what you have taught us all over many years. Happy Birthday! John D. Kotler

Posted by John Kotler on May 03, 2009.

Happy Birthday, Pete! I was listening today to "So long, It's been good to know you", which brought back memories of singing along with you and my Dad to the car radio, many years ago. My Dad is almost 93. Well, I went to my first of many Arlo/Pete concerts at Wolf Trap back in 1981. But, my fondest memory of you came in 1989 in Wilmington, Delaware. You were performing a benefit concert for Ola Belle Reed. Someone must have thought I was related to Ola Belle, as we were seated in the first row!! I've always admired your music. My daughter is now 20, and she is playing bass in a band. She grew up going to your concerts and listening to your songs. I've been given a second chance at life, and I now know how important it is to give to others, a gift you probably taught me through your music and your beliefs. I'm helping to give young people in Central Europe a chance to believe in themselves and to have dreams. We should all learn from you, Pete, to make a difference in the world. Thank you for everything! I hope we meet again at another concert. Keep your voice strong forever! Pete Reed

Posted by Pete Reed on May 03, 2009.

Happy birthday, Pete! I wish I could be in Madison Square Garden to help you celebrate! You have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and your integrity and perseverence has been an inspiration to many. Thank you, too, for keeping the songs of the people alive and the plight of the down-trodden in the forefront. All the best on this auspicious day.

Posted by Julie Bond on May 03, 2009.

Thanks Pete! Your music, active love, and integrity have helped my life and that of my family. Earth celebrates you every day.

Posted by JF Stover on May 03, 2009.

Thank you so for all that you are! Happy Birthday Pete Love &White Light

Posted by Denise Kelly on May 03, 2009.

The happiest of birthdays Pete! I first heard you with the Weavers in the 1950's, and grew up listening to folk music. From the early sixties on, folk music has been my music too and of course, there was a time when I played folk myself with a couple of like-minded friends. Your unique contribution to this music is a joy and a delight, and I sincerely thank you for what you've done. I'm sixty now, and maybe a little bit better person because of what I learned from you. So thanks again!

Posted by Matti Karjala on May 02, 2009.

Happy Birthday,Pete. I first heard you in 1939 (I think) when you were staying with the Gelders at Trussville,Alabama. Since then you have been a mainstay of my family through four generations from my parents to my grandchildren. We still sing your songs and treasure your messages for peace,justice, equality, and planetary respect. You have inspired a very large worldwide chorus of folks who sing and work to make the world a better place.Enjoy your day and keep on singing.

Posted by Peter Hall on May 02, 2009.

Took me back to West Coast of Claire in the late 70's .......ah...the music..the music..groups the likes of Planxty..Bothy..Scullion..Clannad..........the streets alive with musicians with one thing in common...passion for the music.. Thank you Folk Alley!

Posted by Frederica Hogan on March 28, 2009.

First of all, thanks for your website in general, and secondly, I am really enjoying the St. Patrick's Day program. Keep up the great work!

Posted by Sylvia Shriner on March 17, 2009.

I have just got home from seeing Diana here in Bristol UK. and I will say it is the best gig I have ever been to. She is excellent,vocally and on her two acoustic guitars sounding exactly the same as on her records as these videos will testify. She did a solo set of about 90 minutes and was very well received by the capacity audience. I hope to be bale to buy her 1996 and 1998 self financed albums soon. I have seen her singing two new songs on YouTube and she told me they will be on her next album or at least one of them will be for sure,a lovely song called ' Now That My Love Has Gone From Me' The other song is called 'Lonely Lasts So Long' so I hope she includes it on her next album as well. If you have yet to see Diana perform I urge you to go and see her as soon as possible. She is a thoroughly nice lady with a lovely personality. I chatted to her after the show and mentioned her tattoo and she was very informative about it. If you read this anytime Diana I am Pauline who you chatted to at The Bon. Keep doing what you are doing as you are so talented and its a pleasure to see you each time.

Posted by Pauline Mitchell on March 05, 2009.

To Folk Alley, thanks for the Roger McGuinn interview. To Roger, a boyhood hero of mine. We can't all be original or popular as players, but we can all enjoy the rich heritage of folk music. I have been to the Folk Den and it's great. Thanks for keeping it going and passing it on.

Posted by Wyatt Grayson on March 04, 2009.

Great to hear the Nancy Griffith concert from the Kent Folk festival. Wonderful!

Posted by IAN BRADSHAW on February 14, 2009.

Christmas decorations are all coming down tonight as we listen to your holiday stream one last time. As someone said earlier, thank you for the gift of music.

Posted by Jerry Engwis on January 04, 2009.

Your holiday stream helped me focus on the sacred aspects of Christmas. The family songs reminded me of my own family, with whom I was blessed to be with on Christmas Day. I listen now, knowing the season is not yet over. God bless you! Happy 2009!

Posted by Marian Kindel on December 28, 2008.

Your holiday stream helped me focus on the sacred aspects of Christmas. The family songs reminded me of my own family, with whom I was blessed to be with on Christmas Day. I listen now, knowing the season is not yet over. God bless you! Happy 2009!

Posted by Marian Kindel on December 28, 2008.

Your holiday stream helped me focus on the sacred aspects of Christmas. The family songs reminded me of my own family, with whom I was blessed to be with on Christmas Day. I listen now, knowing the season is not yet over. God bless you! Happy 2009!

Posted by Marian Kindel on December 28, 2008.

to steal an old quote " peace on earth , god will to ALL of mankind " . love the music to wind down another season . stay safe all ! peace !

Posted by Chuck Pate on December 25, 2008.

Thanks for the lovely holiday stream - just what we needed in our home just now! Merry Christmas to all!

Posted by Mary Kay Longwell on December 25, 2008.

I celebrated Yule on 21st December & had a fabulous day but it's a grey, drear weather day here in England today but you're bringing the sun out in my heart ! Hopethe turn of the year brings everyone more happiness. xxx

Posted by Jennifer Massey on December 25, 2008.

Hey! Best side stream of the year. Thanks for playing Sufjan!

Posted by John L. Sims on December 24, 2008.

Oh Odetta ! How I miss you , although I only met you once , back in 1983 at The Tønder festival What a singer , what a lady ! You're singing with the angels now . We'll join you , by and by . Eva

Posted by Eva Johansen on December 24, 2008.

Wow you guys ! You actually managed to get a very stressed-out person into the true Christmas spirit ! now I'm so relaxed , I might actually pick up my knitting . Only Folk Alley can accomplish that ! Keep on folking in 2009 - I'll be listening . Happy holidays from Eva

Posted by Eva Johansen on December 24, 2008.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Keep the music playing in 2009, you guys are the best!

Posted by Robert Krack on December 22, 2008.

Thanks for another fine year of awesome seasonal music. Not just for Christmas, but the whole year long. Happy Holidays and Hopeful New Year to everyone.

Posted by Cindy Teixeira on December 22, 2008.

Thanks for the Holiday Cheer. Being the 1st day of Hanukah, I would like to hear more Hanukah music. Mark Cohn's version of Rock of Ages would be nice. Keep on Pholkin' from Philadelphia

Posted by Brett Krasnov on December 22, 2008.

Fabulous music to listen to while watching the glittering snow out the window in the dusk, sitting by the light of the Christmas tree. Happy holidays to all from Rochester, New York.

Posted by Valorie Hallinan on December 21, 2008.

I love it! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, & Happy New Year from Philadelphia PA

Posted by Scott Thompson on December 20, 2008.

Very nice holiday music. meditative. keep up the good work

Posted by Aviva Buschbaum on December 20, 2008.

I am originally from Mentor, Ohio, but now live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Herer in Victoria, it is unusual to have a White Christmas. Usually we have lots of rain and overcast skies, but this year we have about six inches of snow. Very very pretty and feels like Christmas. Thank you so much for Folk Alley and especially right now for the holiday stream. It is on almost all day and I love to knit and cook while listening through the computer. Hi to everyone in Ohio, especially my brother Dan Plageman in Painesville!

Posted by Patricia Sewell on December 20, 2008.

I am working almost round the clock with clients and year end deadlines. The holidays are getting away from me this year. I reeeely appreciate your great Holiday Stream. I have not heard most of this as I am not much of a Christmas CD buyer. Love your music year round. Thanks for helping to make my holidays happier. Happy Winter Solstice to you all!

Posted by Bobbie Harris on December 20, 2008.

Sitting high in the mountains with plenty of snow outside. Folk Alley is just the thing to go with my sugar cookies and fireplace. Festive Season to One and All!

Posted by Anne Schmitt on December 19, 2008.

Merry Christmas To All....and God Bless

Posted by Daniel Johnson on December 19, 2008.

I enjoy the quiet/peaceful nature of most of the music you are playing on the Holiday Stream. Too much of the season is hectic, and this provides some relief from the stress!

Posted by Penny Graves on December 19, 2008.

Thanks for the tunes, Folk Alley! Nollaig Shona Dhuit!

Posted by Sue Breen-Quin on December 19, 2008.

Thanks for such a great variety of great Holiday tunes that rarely get "air" time. Folk Alley is great.

Posted by Carol Roberts on December 18, 2008.

Merry Christmas , Keep it coming. Listen enjoy for nothings forever

Posted by Raymond Bonin on December 17, 2008.

Great Sounds for the Season! Greetings from Ontario, CANADA ("Santa-Land") -- gotta go feed the Reindeer....

Posted by H. M. Corwin on December 16, 2008.

We are potters and have this piped into the studio and love your music...not just the Christams stream, but all of your music. Thanks for being there. Conrad and Pat Jurgens Pottery, LLC

Posted by Conrad Jurgens on December 13, 2008.

Wonderful mix of music for the Holidays. Everything from the traditional acoustic to comtemplative, interwoven with some great / cute stories. What a great change from the regular favorites (which are nice) but get enough of those at the stores, malls, elevators, etc. Thanks for the gift of music and Happy Holidays and all the best for the New Year to all!

Posted by Tom Keith on December 10, 2008.

I also have noticed that some of the songs on this holiday stream are quiet and contemplative. But I for one think that's great! Your holiday stream is a refuge from the loud commercialism and false happiness the holiday season forces on us. Thanks for keeping it real.

Posted by Amy Lawson on December 09, 2008.

Merry Christmas for everyone with this wonderful music. Greetings from Germany to all friends of Folk Alley

Posted by Christian Rau on December 06, 2008.

I love this stream, just turned it on yesterday. I will say, there are a lot of repeats though. Your blurb boasts nearly 40 hours of holiday music but I've heard some of the same songs two or three times in 2 days.

Posted by Maria Wood on December 05, 2008.

I am a huge fan of holiday music, I listen to it all year long, not just at the holidays. There is nothing better than the feeling it can evoke. However, I think the mix of stuff on your holiday music stream is a bit sad and lame. I really wish you played more acoustically oriented and traditional carol type stuff and left the "funny" stories and song parodies to the Bob Rivers website--they do them so much better. Or are you trying to be PC and include everyone and every thing in this mix? BLEAH. I think I'll just play my own CD's. They might be worn, but they're a lot more pleasant to listen to.

Posted by Christin Keck on December 04, 2008.