Re: Dead!!!!
A great loss. He worked tirelessly over the decades to preserve and spread the word about American folk music. I recall a memorable night in Chicago's Orchestra Hall watching Pete, his sister Peggy, and his brother Mike and the New Lost City Ramblers. Over the years I probably saw Pete in concert half a dozen times. Including once at a Jewish community center on the north side where I sat next to and became chummy with Paul Terkel, Studs' kid. Although his politics were far to the left of mine, that made no difference. Pete was about treating everyone (including Republicans) with respect. He was, as he said, a "small c communist," but I never got an anti-American vibe from him. He and the Weavers were the god fathers of the folk music revival of the 60s. And he and they were towers of authenticity. His songs and arrangements became big hits for others. He didn't seem to mind. His work over the years collecting, researching and recording songs has enriched American culture enormously.
The mother of a high school friend was a major wheel at the Old Town School of Folk Music and as a result, I got to spend some time with Pete. Warm. Generous. Respectful. Sincere. Delightful. As he used to say in concert to encourage people to sing along: "Don't let your neighbor look at you peculiarly if you sing too loud. . .you kick him in the ribs and get him singing, too." RIP Pete. And thanks.
A great loss. He worked tirelessly over the decades to preserve and spread the word about American folk music. I recall a memorable night in Chicago's Orchestra Hall watching Pete, his sister Peggy, and his brother Mike and the New Lost City Ramblers. Over the years I probably saw Pete in concert half a dozen times. Including once at a Jewish community center on the north side where I sat next to and became chummy with Paul Terkel, Studs' kid. Although his politics were far to the left of mine, that made no difference. Pete was about treating everyone (including Republicans) with respect. He was, as he said, a "small c communist," but I never got an anti-American vibe from him. He and the Weavers were the god fathers of the folk music revival of the 60s. And he and they were towers of authenticity. His songs and arrangements became big hits for others. He didn't seem to mind. His work over the years collecting, researching and recording songs has enriched American culture enormously.
The mother of a high school friend was a major wheel at the Old Town School of Folk Music and as a result, I got to spend some time with Pete. Warm. Generous. Respectful. Sincere. Delightful. As he used to say in concert to encourage people to sing along: "Don't let your neighbor look at you peculiarly if you sing too loud. . .you kick him in the ribs and get him singing, too." RIP Pete. And thanks.
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One of my favorite actors.