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July 17th, 2009
Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday Celebration from Madison Square Garden
"We Shall Overcome"

A well rounded ensemble of musicians featuring many of Seeger’s friends sing a moving round of “We Shall Overcome” on the stage of Madison Square Garden for his landmark birthday concert.

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More performances:
Dave Matthews Performs “Rye Whiskey”
Seeger and Friends Perform “This Land Is Your Land”
The Happy Birthday Song
Joan Baez Performs “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”

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28 comments

#1

Don’t miss this fabulous birthday celebration in honor of Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday. I was there, and it is awesome.

#2

THis was one of the most exciting concerts I was priveledged to witness

#3

Date of Pete Seeger concert on WHYY

#4

I am 68 years old. I am proud to say “I was there.” We really thought we could change the world. Imarched against the Vietnam war in Los Angeles,San Francisco and my home town. When I heard, “This land is my land. This land is your land.” It gave me a real sense of ownership.

#5

We were there on stage! What an amazing experience. What an honor to pay tribute to an American musical hero.

#6

@Jon Locke: I am 68, too, and live in faraway Pakistan., now. I could just “re-tweet” your comment. Isn’t this such an amazing world that two people so far away can feel far closer than even the nearest of neighbours. Peace.

#7

I was there too. What a great evening. When I saw all the TV cameras I knew it would surface on PBS eventually. Now I await the DVD.

#8

I was fortunate to be in New York on a holiday from Australia. What a great concert – the concert alone was worth the trip. Can anyone advise when DVD will be released as not likely to hear in Australia

#9

This concert should be required seeing in all schools.

#10

Just listened to NPR.org’s live stream of Pete Seeger’s performance at the 2009 Newport Folk Festival… They are podcasting it. We also had a live chat online and I shared the link for this show. Everyone there would agree with you that Pete’s gift is for the whole world. Indeed, school children should see this.

#11

Just listened to NPR.org’s live stream of Pete Seeger’s performance at the 2009 Newport Folk Festival… They are podcasting it. We also had a live chat online and I shared the link for this show. Everyone there would agree with you that Pete’s gift is for the whole world. Indeed, school children should see this.

#12

I am shocked and dismayed that CHICAGO’s WTTW will NOT be airing the concert!???????? WHY !!!!!!
Will it be issued in full on video? I hope so!
He was my hero beginning at age 5 and moves me to tears and admiration to this day and beyond.

#13

WTTW Chicago will NOT be broadcasting this ?? This is why I pledge dollars each year to the PBS Family ??

This is a SERIOUS PROBLEM and this websaite is a difficult and nasty web of nonsense to navigate…these problems had best be addressed and fixed before we start to withdraw our support and our DOLLARS from a shrinking, silly organization that can’t keep its members happy.

#14

Please tell me it’s not true that you’re not airing Pete’s birthday musicfest! he’s always been a favorite, and most of us couldn’t fly to New York for the big bash and would love to see it on public television.

#15

[...] you missed the premiere on WMHT-TV last Sunday evening, the public television channel is repeating “Great Performances: Pete Seeger’s 90th Birthday Concert from Madison Square Garden,&#82… twice this [...]

#16

Great show! One suggestion for “We Shall Overcome”: sing a verse in Spanish like the farmworkers do — “Nosotros Venceremos. . . “

#17

I missed this and am very anxious to be notified when it will be on another time — please respond!

#18

As a 23 year old, I was priveledged to witness this concert. What an amazing person Pete is- MaHe has touched the hearts of many people from around the world. He has truly made a difference.

#19

When are you going to show it on WHYY that is during regular viewing hours, not the 2:00 AM as listed?

#20

PETE SEEGER IS A TRUE AMERICAN ICON! THE FACT HE WAS BLACK LISTED DURING THE WITCH HUNT IN THE 50THS IS A TRUE SHAME TO ALL AMERICANS. GOD BLESS YOU FOR HOLDING HIM UP AS A TRUE AMERICAN!!!

#21

Love the concert ,who was the older black gentlemen with beard playing the guitar,singing motherless child ,loved him

#22

#21–It was Richie Havens. I, too, attended the concert and hope our local PBS airs it, again, soon.

#23

When does the DVD come out – we don’t get PBS in Scotland.

#24

How can I get a copy of the DVD of this wonderful concert?

#25

our local station went off a few minutes into the concert. Will it be aired again?

#26

[...] play and sing his own and Gordon Lightfoot’s music. We made good memories then.   Now, on Great Performances, we’re listening to a tribute to Pete Seeger, with Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, Emmy Lou Harris, [...]

#27

Oh, my! It’s stuff like this that makes me glad to be old enough to have lived through those times and loved this music. Make my eyes well up!

#28

Having been a member of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater for many years, I enjoyed the songs of this concert that PBS put on the site very much. It made the ocean that is between the U.S.A. and The Netherlands a little smaller for me for some time. So for all the music, peace and sails for a better environment that you have given to the people: Thank you Pete! Happy 90th Birthday! I know that Clearwater is celebrating her 40th year this year.
We will continue to sail on for the people and a better environment. We must. On the Hudson River, in The Netherlands again too, one day, I hope, …. and all around the world. All it takes is people, music and peace … and a sailing vessel, of course, in the wake of Clearwater and the message that Pete Seeger gave it.

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