Long live teachers of children, because they can show children how they can save the world.
Pete SeegerRead
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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes inclusivity and unity through music, regardless of the audience's background.
In this quote, Pete Seeger expresses his commitment to using music as a tool for bringing people together, irrespective of their political beliefs, religious affiliations, or racial backgrounds. He conveys pride in his ability to connect with diverse audiences, highlighting the essential role of music in promoting understanding and acceptance across different walks of life.
In practice
Using the quote in a speech about the power of art to bridge divides in a community gathering.
Long live teachers of children, because they can show children how they can save the world.
According to my definition of God, I'm not an atheist. Because I think God is everything. Whenever I open my eyes, I'm looking at God. Whenever I'm listening to something, I'm listening to God.
Songs are funny things. They can slip across borders. Proliferate in prisons. Penetrate hard shells. I always believed that the right song at the right moment could change history.
Well, normally I’m against big things. I think the world is going to be saved by millions of small things. Too many things can go wrong when they get big.” — Pete Seeger (on how he felt about attending his big 90th birthday bash last year)
I’ve never sung anywhere without giving the people listening to me a chance to join in - as a kid, as a lefty, as a man touring the U.S.A. and the world, as an oldster. I guess it’s kind of a religion with me. Participation. That’s what’s going to save the human race.
I write a song because I want to. I think the moment you start writing it to make money, you're starting to kill yourself artistically.
I've always been obsessed with drums. They fascinate me. Any other instrument - nothing. I play acoustic guitar a bit. But it's always been drums first and foremost. I don't reckon on this Jack-of-all-trades thing. I thing that felling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts.
With few exceptions, every major pop singer in the US during her generation has been touched in some way by her genius. It is Billie Holiday who was, and still remains, the greatest single musical influence on me. Lady Day is unquestionably the most important influence on American popular singing in the last twenty years.
I've never tried to achieve anything. I achieved everything I wanted to achieve by being in the Rolling Stones and making records.
Playing with Queen was the biggest moment of my career. It was like living a childhood fantasy.
If I'd known white people were going to buy my last album, I never would have recorded it.
I know what I've done for music, but don't call me a legend. Just call me Miles Davis.
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