The Legacy of Pete Seeger: What Happened After His Rise to Fame

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for A Complete Unknown.

Introduction to A Complete Unknown

The new biographical film A Complete Unknown, which premiered on Christmas Day 2024, delves into the life of iconic folk singer Bob Dylan, brilliantly portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. One of the central figures showcased alongside Dylan is the legendary Pete Seeger, played by Edward Norton. This film not only highlights Dylan’s ascent to fame but also reinterprets pivotal moments from his life and career, offering a creative twist on historical events.

A Quick Look at the Film’s Reception

Directed by the acclaimed James Mangold—known for his work on Ford v. Ferrari and Logan—A Complete Unknown has garnered critical acclaim. It boasts a Rotten Tomatoes score of 79%, with an impressive audience score of 95%. The film is currently in contention for several prestigious awards, including three Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor for Chalamet, and Best Supporting Actor for Norton. The plot unfolds during Dylan’s early years in New York as he becomes a local sensation, aided significantly by Seeger and his idol, Woody Guthrie.

Exploring Pete Seeger’s Musical Legacy Post-1965

Following his crucial role in propelling Dylan’s career, Pete Seeger continued to thrive as a solo artist. While A Complete Unknown hints at Seeger’s purported disapproval of Dylan’s electric shift during the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, it is essential to recognize that Seeger was a staunch supporter of Dylan’s evolution. His own musical repertoire includes timeless classics such as “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”, “If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song)”, and “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)”.

Advocacy through Music

Seeger’s legacy is further enriched by his commitment to social and environmental causes. Active in anti-war protests—particularly during the Vietnam War—his songs like “Beans in My Ears” and “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy” criticized military involvement. A testament to his influence was his leadership of a massive 500,000-person demonstration in Washington D.C. in 1969, where participants sang John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance.” Notably, Seeger remained a vocal critic of conflicts, including the Iraq War in 2003. His career saw a resurgence in 2008 with the release of At 89, marking his first album in over a decade, which included his appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Seeger’s Reflections on Dylan’s Electric Shift

The film depicts a notorious incident at the Newport Folk Festival, where Seeger reportedly attempted to persuade Dylan to abandon his electric set. However, in a letter addressed to Dylan in 1990, Seeger clarified that his intentions were misunderstood. He expressed his frustration over the poor sound quality, stating,

“I was furious at the distorted sound – no one could understand the words of ‘Maggie’s Farm’.”

A Glimpse into Seeger’s Apology

In his letter, Seeger admitted,

“My big mistake was in not challenging from the stage the foolish few who booed.”

Pete Seeger’s Legacy and Impact

Pete Seeger passed away at the age of 94 on January 27, 2014, in his hometown of New York City, where he was born in 1919. His death prompted tributes from musicians and prominent figures, including President Barack Obama, who honored him as “America’s tuning fork,” praising his belief in music’s power to drive social change. Seeger had also performed at Obama’s inauguration alongside Bruce Springsteen, showcasing his enduring influence.

Tributes and Remembering Seeger

In memory of his contributions, a tribute album titled For Pete’s Sake was released shortly after his passing, further solidifying his legacy nearly fifty years post the events depicted in A Complete Unknown.

Sources: Far Out, National Archives

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