MUSIC-lovers were shocked on Tuesday to learn of the death of legendary folk artist Pete Seeger.

A lifelong political and environmental activist, a former card-carrying communist and a leading light in the US Civil Right’s movement, Seeger used his whimsical and engaging acoustic musicianship to present hard-hitting points.

Songs like If I had a Hammer and Where Have All the Flowers Gone and his version of We Shall Overcome have entered the musical lexicon. He also had success with his interpretaion of the Leadbelly song Goodnight Irene.

His half-sister, the folk musician Peggy Seeger, who lives in Iffley, Oxford, paid tribute to his work last year with her song It’s Pete - which celebrated his 94th birthday.

 

Peggy, has also dedicated her life to scoicial justice and environemntal and community causes - including the fight to save Oxford’s Temple Cowley Pools.

Fellow campaigner Jane Alexander told us: “Pete Seeger’s death is a sad loss for all who enjoyed his music and his love of life and justice. Like Pete, Peggy has also spent her life producing beautiful music and working for justice. Our condolences go out to Peggy and all family and friends.”