Pete Seeger and the Power of the Song

Plot Summary

In "Pete Seeger and the Power of the Song," the only authorized biography, Jim Brown documents the life of one of the greatest American singer/songwriters of the last century. Pete Seeger was the architect of the folk revival, writing some of its’ best known songs including "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "If I Had A Hammer." Largely misunderstood by his critics, including the US government, for his views on peace, unionism, civil rights and ecology, Seeger was targeted by the communist witch hunt of the Fifties. He was picketed, protested, blacklisted, and, in spite of his enormous popularity, banned from American television for more than 17 years. With a combination of never-before-seen archival footage and personal films made by Seeger and his wife, "Pete Seeger and the Power of the Song" chronicles the life of this legendary artist and political activist. The film serves as testament of Seeger's belief in the power of song above all else and his conviction that individuals can make a difference. Musicians including Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Maines, Tom Paxton and Peter, Paul and Mary appear in this intimate portrait and discuss Seeger's lasting influence on the fabric of American music.