Mike Seeger RIP
Sad news at the weekend to hear about the death of Mike Seeger. Mike was a legendary banjo player and stalwart of the American folk revival in the 50s and 60s. His band The New Lost City Ramblers inspired Bob Dylan among others. In his memoir Chronicles Volume 1 Dylan writes of Seeger, "He was extraordinary, gave me an eerie feeling. Mike was unprecedented. He was like a duke, the knight errant. As for being a folk musician he was the supreme archetype. He could push a stake through Dracula's black heart. He was the romantic, egalitarian and revolutionary all at once - had chivalry in his blood"
Even if you are not familiar with Seeger's music chances are you've seen him on television. He was one of of the many contributors to Martin Scorsese's Dylan doc No Direction Home and last year featured in our series Folk America.
This is a Folk America outtake we put on the website that captures both Mike's great playing and also his humanity.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions
If you'd like to hear some the New Lost City Ramblers' music I've created a 10-track Spotifyplaylist that gives a flavour of their work.
If you have any memories or thoughts about Mike Seeger and his music please do share them below.
Related Links
Spotify Playlist: The New Lost City Ramblers
Comment number 1.
At 14:57 11th Aug 2009, jgeoffreymorris wrote:Many thanks for the piece about Mike Seeger.The following is true and happened.On Friday 7/8/9 evening visited a friend who manages a book shop and loves old time and bluegrass music,he gave me an USA c.d.to listen to.Took it home and listened to it on Saturday afternoon,did not care for the voice of the singer though the music was fine.I went through my collection found the Mike Seeger c.d.s I have, listened to them all,went to his web-site,realised it was seven years ago when I saw the reunion concert of The New Lost City Ramblers at the Shaw Theatre near to were I live in London.He kindly signed my very old l.p.of his from the 60's and my N.L.C.R.l.p.s and the c.d.s bought at bought at the concert.He was a gentleman and listened to me and spoke kindly.I first saw the N.L.C.R in the early 60's at the Crieff Folk Festival.To-day walking to work and reading The Guardian as usual turning to page 30,was saddened to see a photo and learn of Mike Seeger's passing,my thoughts and feelings go to his family and friends.
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Comment number 2.
At 01:22 14th Aug 2009, redmandolin wrote:In the 1970s, Mike Seeger came to Calgary, Alberta, where I then lived and had a radio programme on a small radio station. Mike Seeger gave a workshop which I attended with some recording equipment that I proceeded to set up in a very awkward way, without actually asking his permission. He, however, went out of his way to make sure that I had set things up correctly and kept checking with me to see that the recording was going well. I realised that what meant most to him was that the music be heard. A true gentleman, with a genuine love, respect and enthusiasm for the music he played. I've never forgottent that time and have always enjoyed everything I've heard him do. My condolences to all his family. He will be very much missed.
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Comment number 3.
At 22:18 31st Aug 2009, smithsonianfolkways wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 4.
At 10:46 9th Sep 2009, dennisjunior1 wrote:Nigel:
My heartfelt condolences are being sent to Mr. Mike Seeger's family...
=D=
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