PETE SEEGER  1919-2014
His first instrument was a ukelele.He heard his first 5 string banjo in 1936 at the age of 17.He learned his first techniques from Bascom Lamar Lunsford. He was hooked .Coming from a very musical family he soon became a performer and played alongside the likes of Burl Ives,Woody Guthrie, and Leadbelly.He spent 4 years in the US Army
Having spent several years as a Young Communist he left the party but remained very active in politics, and some of his early music involvement was based in the Labour Movement and organisations promoting "work" songs and music about the lower classes. Much of it was related to Race, Religion, and Working Class freedom.
In 1948 Pete wrote his groundbreaking book "How to play the Five String Banjo" 
I still have my prized copy. Although a bit tattered now it still serves to inform and was my first venture into Clawhammer,Frailing, and the banjo world in general.
Pete influenced countless people over the years . He was instrumental in forming the Almanac Singers and the Weavers.
The Kingston Trio owed much of its success to Petes Influence.
Pete wrote several classic Folk songs like "Where have all the flowers gone?" He had a "hit" single in 1963 with "Little Boxes", sparking yet another Folk Revival.
In the 1960's he hosted a folk music television show that guested all the greats in Folk.
Seeger was a great supporter of Bob Dylan and welcomed electrification and amplification into Folk music.
To Pete, the music was far more important than the means of broadcasting it.

If you separate Petes music from his political views you will see he is a great example of "keeping an open mind" regarding  musical genres and, and embracing change within traditional music.In 2009 he dueted with Bruce Springsteen on Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land". In 2009, at the age of 90 he appeared at the Monterey Jazz Festival.He died in January 2014.
Billy Bragg remembered that Pete always believed that music had the power to make a difference. He also believed that music should not be confined within restrictive rules and attitudes.It should be forever changing.
He earned "Grammy"awards for Best Traditional Folk Album . He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame !!

Do try and get his early book.
Bruce Springsten recorded a tribute album and DVD called "We Shall Overcome:  The Seeger Sessions"
It is brilliant and is recorded in a remote house with about a dozen talented eclectic Folk musicians. Try and get a copy. There may be sections on You Tube.
Above all, listen to lots of Petes music . Try and absorb some of his style. It is emotional and strong.Above all. Enjoy.