In Memoriam: Mike Seeger
Musician and folklorist Mike Seeger died from cancer Friday night at the age of 75. His importance to the kids music world is relatively minor compared to his half-brother Pete, but not without significance. He will be remembered much more for his musical output as a solo artist and with the New Lost City Ramblers, his collecting of traditional music, and his discovery of forgotten traditional musicians. But his mother was Ruth Crawford Seeger, who wrote one of the first important books of children's music, and he recorded a couple kids' albums, including American Folk Songs for Children with his sister Peggy.
Here's a clip of him playing "John Henry" a couple years ago. One of these days I'm going to learn myself some banjo...
Here, Mike plays and discusses "Walking Boss." Not nearly as much "kids music" per se, but still interesting to hear (and just as relevant to his life's work).
My condolences to his family.
Comments
Hi Stefan
I was so sad to read your post this morning- Mike Seeger had been scheduled to play at Maverick in Woodstock two weeks ago and I was beside myself with excitement to hear him play, but the concert was cancelled. I didn't realize his condition was so grave.
I have to disagree with you though about his contribution to children's music. For me, personally, his work is enormously significant. The two collections that he made along with his family are definitive and essential. They bring Ruth Crawford Seeger's exquisite arrangements to life in extraordinary ways.
Mike Seeger is also responsible for recording Elizabeth Cotten's albums, which have affected me deeply and influenced my children's music.
And beyond that, his autoharp playing on the Alison Krauss/Robert Plant recording of "Long Journey" will always break my heart. Rest in Peace, Mike Seeger.
http://www.folkways.si.edu/about_us/news_press.aspx
Posted by: Elizabeth mitchell | August 9, 2009 05:49 AM
Elizabeth,
In rereading my original post this morning (before reading your comment), I realized that my phrasing sounded harsher than I meant it to, and so I tweaked it.
To me, I suppose, it seemed minor just because Pete looms so incredibly large. But I know there's so much more he did that I'm only tangentially aware of. (And I know how much that Ruth Crawford Seeger book means to you.)
It's sad that it sometimes takes a death to more fully appreciate someone's worth... a statement that applies to me in this case, certainly not you...
Posted by: Stefan | August 9, 2009 07:29 AM