President Barack Obama paid tribute to Pete Seeger on Tuesday, praising the folk legend for "reminding us where we come from and showing us where we need to go."
In a statement released by the White House, the president noted Seeger's civil rights work in addition to his musical accomplishments:
Once called “America’s tuning fork,” Pete Seeger believed deeply in the power of song. But more importantly, he believed in the power of community – to stand up for what’s right, speak out against what’s wrong, and move this country closer to the America he knew we could be. Over the years, Pete used his voice – and his hammer – to strike blows for worker’s rights and civil rights; world peace and environmental conservation. And he always invited us to sing along. For reminding us where we come from and showing us where we need to go, we will always be grateful to Pete Seeger. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Pete’s family and all those who loved him.
Seeger died Monday at age 94.
Shortly before Obama's inauguration in 2009, Seeger performed "This Land Is Your Land" at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in a concert honoring the then president-elect. Bruce Springsteen joined Seeger for the performance.
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