Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger (1919–2014) was a foundational figure in the American folk music revival and is known as a singer, songwriter, and social activist. Seeger also left an indelible stamp on the bluegrass community through his passionate advocacy for the five-string banjo. His seminal instructional book, How to Play the Five-String Banjo, bridged the gap between traditional Southern roots and the urban folk revival. Seeger also actively elevated early bluegrass musicians by producing events like the historic 1959 Carnegie Hall concert that featured Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys. His tireless promotion of vernacular American music established a vital cultural platform that helped bluegrass gain mainstream respect and visibility.