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The world is mourning legendary folk singer Pete Seeger, who died on Monday of natural causes at the age of 94.
STORY: Folk Singer and Songwriter Pete Seeger Dies at 94
The music community and a number of actors, writers and directors have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts about the late folk icon and protest singer. Sarah Jessica Parker posted an extended farewell to Seeger on Twitter, writing, “Some of my happiest memories from childhood include you.” Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello called Seeger “Absolutely the best that humans can aspire to be. A courageous, kind, fearless soul.” Meanwhile, filmmaker Michael Moore wrote, “Our paths crossed many times, and I am the better for it.”
The Fault in Our Stars writer John Green wrote, “His machine surrounded hate and forced it to surrender.” Walk the Line director James Mangold added that he “defined love” and The Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead called him “such an inspiration.”
John Mellencamp also shared his thoughts, saying in a statement: “Pete Seeger always tried to make the world a better place through his music and activism. His life-long commitment to the cause of peace and to addressing the plight of the downtrodden has been an inspiration to all those who have championed society’s victims and have done what they could to combat injustice. His music and commitment was more powerful than a thousand armies. We are fortunate that he lit the way for so long. Pete once gave me a bit of advice, and I’ve always tried to remember what he said, ‘Keep it small and you will make a difference.'”
Even President Obama released a statement on Seeger’s death.
“Once called ‘America’s tuning fork,’ Pete Seeger believed deeply in the power of song,” Obama said. “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.”
Check out what the stars are saying about Seeger on Twitter and Facebook:
Pete Seeger, some of my happiest memories from childhood include you. your distinct sound making its way through our home. day and night.
— Sarah Jessica Parker (@SJP) January 28, 2014
your musical presence remains for my children. so grateful you shared your music, your principles and yourself for so many decades.
— Sarah Jessica Parker (@SJP) January 28, 2014
we are all better for it. thank you. Godspeed Pete Seeger.
— Sarah Jessica Parker (@SJP) January 28, 2014
RIP Pete Seeger. Absolutely the best that humans can aspire to be. A courageous, kind, fearless soul. At his 90th: http://t.co/Gqh5fsfOrm”
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) January 28, 2014
Aw man, Pete Seeger. I mean, the Grammys weren’t THAT bad.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 28, 2014
Aw man… RIP Pete Seeger
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) January 28, 2014
Pete Seeger. What can I say. He said it and sang it and lived it all. Our paths crossed many times, and I am the better for it. RIP
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 28, 2014
May the heroic genius Pete Seeger RIP
— Mario Batali (@Mariobatali) January 28, 2014
sad to lose #PeteSeeger who was an inspiration. I got to hang with him as a fellow alumni of @CampRisingSun
— darren aronofsky (@DarrenAronofsky) January 28, 2014
His machine surrounded hate and forced it to surrender. Rest in peace, Pete Seeger. pic.twitter.com/4OrXkzeyxS
— John Green (@realjohngreen) January 28, 2014
RIP Pete Seeger. Artist. Teacher. Songwriter. Patriot. Environmentalist. Shining light. Kind Soul. Soft speaker. Banjo player. Defined Love.
— Mangold (@mang0ld) January 28, 2014
UGH. RIP. Such an inspiration RT @washingtonpost: Legendary folk singer Pete Seeger dies at 94: http://t.co/HaIjlm8RO6
— Lizz Winstead (@lizzwinstead) January 28, 2014
An American legend. RIP “@BoingBoing: Folk music legend Pete Seeger has died. http://t.co/ZzAEfIUWwo pic.twitter.com/oxkRUCScYV” via @pulmyears
— Martha Quinn (@MarthaQuinn) January 28, 2014
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