It was a year ago today that I ( and the world) got the news that Pete Seeger made his spirit journey. I had the privilege of sitting beside Pete as he hand wrote letters to some of his old friends asking them to join us in a concert to help Native American Political Prisoner, Leonard Peltier. All of the letters were signed with Pete’s unique moniker, “Keep On.” So how do I interpret this? If Pete signed this to you he mean’t keep on doing what you’re doing. “Keep on,” I agree with you and support you. Pete was always someone that was praised for his optimism and this is the ultimate affirmation. Needless to say, I was over joyed when he gave me the gift of his great book, “Where Have All The Flowers Gone,” and he signed it for me and ended with, “But YOU Keep On.” I took this as both a great honor and as a responsibility. As his quote goes “we’re all links in a chain,” so ultimately it will be my job to inspire and encourage someone the same way he did for me.
Shortly after he passed on that phrase entered my thoughts followed by a melody and then a song. And then thanks to my friend, the great percussionist/singer, Audree Dillard, a recording! I kind of turned it around on him. Now it was his turn to “Keep On,” as he entered the Great Mystery of Eternal Life. After all the great things that he did and sacrifices that he made it was now his turn to surrender to the Great Love. So “Keep On,” Old Friend. I love and remember you. I turned back to way more then one page and I continue to do so( See Attached). As I write this, the early stages of the second annual, “Pete Seeger Birthday Commemoration,” to be held in Boulder Colorado, has been initiated( More info to come but hold Sun. May 3rd( Pete’s actual birthday) as the date). This year we will add a special Children’s show. Those of you that knew Pete knew that the Children were of the utmost concern and importance to him. If he could get the children singing then the message and the songs would survive and more links in the “great chain,” would be created.
Keep On ( For Old Pete):
https://soundcloud.com/silent-bear/keep-on-for-old-pete
Let’s not forget, Leonard Peltier!
Silent Bear/ Pete Seeger- Freedom For Leonard Peltier ( Bring Him Home) W/ David Amram
“Where Have All The Flowers Gone.” A Singing memoir:
http://www.amazon.com/Where-Have-All-Flowers-Gone/dp/0393338614
The Green Lion:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/silentbear
www.rememberingpeteseeger.org