Pete Seeger

Yesterday, I was able to check off a portrait on my Life List. For a very long time, I have wanted to photograph Pete Seeger, one of America's greatest heroes. Born in 1919, he has been at the forefront of the peace movement, the environmental movement, the civil rights movement, and equal rights. Not to mention, he is considered one of the fathers of the Folk Song revival and he wrote, or co-wrote, "Where have all the flowers gone," "Guantanamera," "Turn, turn, turn," and "If I had a hammer."

New York State's Working Families Party is celebrating its 10th Anniversary on September 18 and they asked me to videotape a message from Pete, who would not be able to attend. Of course, I would take still portraits as well.

I had planned on taking my father along with me on this shoot, for no reason particularly, other than I thought they would get along. Sadly, my father died before I could set it up. So, I took my son, Ethan, and poetically, it balanced perfectly since Ethan is a budding filmmaker.

His home in Dutchess County is up a steep gravel road and reminded me of the many handbuilt homes of my friends in the Catskills. In fact, Pete and I talked a while about the mistakes we each made building our own homes. His homesite had a sweeping view of the Hudson River and one comes away knowing why he has spent three decades championing the cleanup of the River.

Pete Seeger is approachable and calm, dignified and contemplative. He has remained true to his mission to make a difference in the world.

Dan Cantor, Pete Seeger, and Phil Cantor
September 15, 2008


WFP-A Message from Pete Seeger from Ethan Cantor on Vimeo.