Pete Seeger, US folk singer, dies aged 94

R.I.P.

The veteran American folk singer and activist Pete Seeger has died aged 94.

He spent seven decades performing and demonstrating - working with the US civil rights movement, environmental groups, and most recently taking part in the Occupy Wall Street protests.

US President Obama has paid tribute to the American folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, who has died following a short illness at the age of 94.

"Once called 'America's tuning fork', Pete Seeger believed deeply in the power of song," said Mr Obama.

"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."

Seeger died at New York hospital, his grandson said.

His songs included Turn! Turn! Turn! and If I Had A Hammer.

In 2009, he was at a gala concert in the US capital ahead of President Obama's inauguration as president.

In his tribute, the president praised Seeger's activism.

"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," he added.

Seeger gained fame in The Weavers, formed in 1948, and continued to perform in his own right in a career spanning six decades.

From BBC News