Seeger’s rhythm inspiring

American folk music legend and social activist Pete Seeger passed away last week at the age of 94. His music inspired generations of Americans to stand up and sing along for social justice and brought smiles to the faces of those who heard him — including me.

To accompany his singing, Seeger used a uniquely American instrument — the five-string banjo. For Seeger, this humble instrument wasn’t just a banjo but a powerful machine meant to change the hearts and minds of those who heard it. Inscribed on the head of his banjo was the following slogan: “This Machine Surrounds Hate And Forces It To Surrender.”

Many Vindicator readers and Valley residents know me from my work as a staff photographer at this newspaper. They’re used to seeing me with a camera around my neck documenting county fairs, basketball games and news events. What they most likely don’t know is I share something very special with Pete Seeger. Playing the five-string banjo is one of my favorite pastimes. During my formative years I was profoundly influenced by the folk music revival of the 1950s and ’60s. As a youngster I started playing guitar and tried to imitate the music I heard on folk-music television programs such as “Hootenany.” While a student at Kent State University in 1971, I heard someone play the five-string banjo and was smitten by the sound. The very next morning I trotted down to Sapino’s Music store in Warren and became the proud owner of a banjo. I’ve been playing, sometimes to the chagrin of family members and neighbors, just about every day since.

After plunking and plinking for a while, I found playing the banjo was a bit more difficult than I had anticipated. There weren’t many banjo teachers in this part of the country, and I wasn’t making much progress. About that time a family friend offered a copy of Pete Seeger’s instruction book, “How to Play The Five-String Banjo.” This little red-covered book full of folksy drawings, anecdotes and advice for banjo-playing and life got me started playing for real. I often still refer to my original copy now held together with tape, glue and staples.

LESSONS FROM SEEGER

Among the many things I’ve learned from Pete Seeger and several decades playing the banjo and other instruments in a variety of situations are:

First, music is both a powerful medium and a universal language. It has the ability to make people laugh, cry or be called to action in social causes.

Second, in music and many other things, there is both power and safety in numbers. Music is more fun and has much greater impact when done with a group of people. I often think of the impact Pete Seeger had while leading several hundred people singing “We Shall Overcome.”

Third, stand up and speak out for what you think is right. Countless times Seeger did just that, and look at what he accomplished.

A regret of mine is that I never got to see Pete Seeger perform live. There were several occasions when he was touring in the area, but I always thought “I’ll catch him next time.” The moral of the story is don’t put off until next week what you should do today.

William D. Lewis is a Vindicator photographer.