Springsteen to Seeger...you "outlasted the bastards".

madfloridian

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Tue May-05-09 01:46 AM
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Springsteen to Seeger...you "outlasted the bastards".

The Nation has this tonight from Katrina vanden Heuvel.

That must have been some birthday concert. Hoping there is good video of it.

Springsteen to Seeger: "You Outlasted the Bastards"

"You outlasted the bastards, man," Bruce Springsteen told the roaring crowd.

I think that was my favorite line at the rollicking birthday concert celebrating Pete Seeger's 90th! .

There were other uplifting, astonishing moments Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, at a five-hour concert which Seeger only ok'd because it raised much-needed funds for his beloved Clearwater project--a non profit organization which the oft-maligned bard started in 1969 to clean up his beloved, polluted Hudson River.

Fifteen thousand people, of all ages, (okay median age was probably 55) danced, clapped and sang along as Seeger did a soaring version of "Amazing Grace" and the saintly looking Joan Baez sang " Where have all The Flowers Gone."

Arlo Guthrie reminded us that Pete, like his father Woody, "believed in the power of the people singing songs to change the world." Richie Havens reminded us why "Freedom" is a great anthem for all times. Tim Robbins and his son, strumming the guitar, to "Michael, Row The Boat Ashore." Ruby Dee entranced with her enchanting reading of a poem (for peace) written by Pete's uncle before he joined the Foreign Legion. In between, a startlingly youthful Emmylou Harris recounted correspondence she had with Pete as a young folk singer; Tom Morello and Taj Mahal teamed up on "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy"), and John Mellencamp offered up "If I Had a Hammer." Congressman John Hall, once the lead singer for one of my favorite groups, "Orleans," joined in several rounds.

Toward the end of the five hour Seeger-apoza, Springsteen announced to the crowd, "Pete's gonna come out," and "He's gonna look like your granddad--if your granddad could kick your ass." If character and integrity keeps you youthful, and I believe it does. Seeger looked all of 25--of strong backbone and spirit and moxie and with keen eyes which are the stronger for having seen the best, and the worst, of our country's history.

They were referring most likely to the vilification of Pete Seeger by those involved in the communist witch hunts of earlier decades. Seeger was called before the infamous House Un-American Activities Committee

Here is part of his testimony.

Mr. SEEGER: I have sung for Americans of every political persuasion, and I am proud that I never refuse to sing to an audience, no matter what religion or color of their skin, or situation in life. I have sung in hobo jungles, and I have sung for the Rockefellers, and I am proud that I have never refused to sing for anybody. That is the only answer I can give along that line.

There is more of his testimony at the link. He told them it was "immoral" to ask such questions of American citizens. He was so right.

Good for him.

He was banished from the airwaves for many years during what should have been the best years of his career.

Here are two videos I posted today of his songs.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x307734"> Where have all the flowers gone?

And a favorite that really annoyed the powers that be.

Waist deep in the Big Muddy