Pete Seeger Interview: Inspiring Environmental Change
Pete Seeger, the legendary folk singer and activist behind influential hits like “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” shares his experiences launching the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater project. In this heartfelt interview, Seeger reflects on his role in the fight to clean up New York’s Hudson River — a journey driven by his deep connection to the Hudson and his love for sailing. He discusses building the historic sloop, its innovative approach to onboard education, and the collaborative spirit that made the Clearwater a lasting success. This interview is a testament to the power of grassroots activism, community action, and Pete Seeger’s impactful legacy.
Born in New York City in 1919, Pete Seeger was a prominent American folk singer, songwriter, and social activist. He briefly attended Harvard before leaving in 1938 to pursue folk music. In 1949, he co-founded The Weavers, a popular folk music group known for songs like ‘Goodnight, Irene.’ A radio staple in the 1940s and a key figure in the 1960s folk revival, Seeger used his music for social change, performing at civil rights rallies, environmental conservation events, and anti-Vietnam war protests. His most popular songs include “If I Had a Hammer,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.” He also popularized “We Shall Overcome,” an anthem of the civil rights movement. In 1966, Seeger and his wife Toshi founded the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the Hudson River, funded through annual music festivals now known as the Great Hudson River Revival. Despite facing challenges during the McCarthy Era, including blacklisting, Seeger remained committed to his music and activism. He received multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Seeger passed away in 2014 at the age of 94.
From the film, ‘Til The River Runs Clear (2007). Originally aired on PBS and produced by the Emmy-award-winning filmmakers at Kunhardt Film Foundation, ‘Til The River Runs Clear follows folk singer Pete Seeger and his team’s environmental efforts to clean up New York’s Hudson River. By the mid-1960s, the Hudson River had become one of America’s most polluted waterways. To draw attention to its heavily polluted waters, Seeger helped launch the ‘Clearwater,’ a wooden sloop that would eventually sail across the Hudson. With funding from impromptu music festivals featuring some of America’s greatest performers and a dedicated crew of Seeger’s family and friends, Seeger’s campaign became a massive success. Decades later, the ‘Clearwater’ is still active, hosting onboard educational programs that continue to protect and preserve the Hudson’s ecosystems. Featuring original interviews and musical performances, ‘Til The River Runs Clear is an inspiring tribute to Seeger’s environmental activism, and his love for the Hudson River.
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Chapter Markers -
00:00:07 - Becoming aware of Hudson river pollution
00:01:25 - Inspiration for the sloop
00:03:17 - Early stages and obstacles
00:06:12 - Formation of the Hudson river sloop restoration & leadership
00:08:13 - Fundraising concerts and festivals
00:09:40 - Political challenges and changes in leadership
00:10:55 - Building the sloop and community support
00:12:07 - Launching the sloop
00:16:28 - Annual meeting and naming the sloop Clearwater
00:17:23 - Clearwater’s education and hands on learning
00:21:00 - Clearwater’s evolution and lasting educational impact
00:22:48 - Seeger’s personal reflections
Pete Seeger, Folk Singer & Social Activist
Interviewed by: Karen Sim
Interview Date: October 7, 2004
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
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