Pete Seeger - Hootenanny

Review by Abel Briggs

Hootenanny, the album by Pete Seeger, is a true folk classic that showcases the artist's talent for storytelling and songwriting. Released in 1963, the album features a mix of traditional folk tunes and original compositions that capture the spirit of the American folk revival.

The album opens with the upbeat "Hobo's Lullaby," a song about the nomadic lifestyle of migrant workers. Seeger's signature banjo playing and folksy vocals set the tone for the rest of the album, which includes classics like "Oh, Mary Don't You Weep" and "Skip to My Lou."

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Guantanamera," a Cuban folk song that Seeger adapted and popularized in the United States. His version features English lyrics that highlight the song's universal message of love and unity.

Throughout the album, Seeger's political and social activism shines through. Songs like "Talking Union" and "Which Side Are You On?" address issues of labor rights and social justice, while "We Shall Overcome" became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement.

Summary by Abel Briggs

Hootenanny is a timeless album that continues to inspire and entertain listeners today. Seeger's legacy as a folk icon is cemented by this classic collection of songs that capture the spirit of a generation.