Born into folk music's first family, Peggy Seeger has blazed her own trail artistically and personally. Jean Freedman draws on a wealth of research and conversations with Seeger to tell the life story of one of music's most charismatic performers and tireless advocates. Here is the story of Seeger's multifaceted career, from her youth to her pivotal role in the American and British folk revivals, from her instrumental virtuosity to her tireless work on behalf of environmental and feminist causes, from wry reflections on the U.K. folk scene to decades as a songwriter. Freedman also delves into Seeger's fruitful partnership with Ewan MacColl and a multitude of contributions which include creating the renowned Festivals of Fools, founding Blackthorne Records, masterminding the legendary Radio Ballads documentaries, and mentoring performers in the often-fraught atmosphere of The Critics Group. Bracingly candid and as passionate as its subject, Peggy Seeger is the first book-length biography of a life set to music.| Cover Title Page Copyright Contents Preface Acknowledgments Permissions Introduction 1. Very Good Stock 2. The Early Years 3. Coming of Age in Chevy Chase 4. A Rendezvous with Death 5. The Rover, Part One 6. The First Time Ever 7. The Rover, Part Two 8. New Day Dawning 9. At Home Abroad 10. What Is a Folk Song? 11. High Noon 12. Beginnings and Endings 13. Different Stages 14. Things Fall Apart 15. Late in the Day 16. The Day Is Ending 17. The Long Road Home 18. Heading for Home 19. Old New England 20. Everything Changes 21. What Is a Folk Revival? Notes References Cited Index | "Freedman succeeds through prose as approachable and entertaining as Seeger's lyrics and informal, intimate performance style. . . . Freedman skillfully connects and contrasts Seeger's development as an artist with the practices of her parents and siblings, and also with a wide array of political and cultural movements."—Journal of Folklore Research

"Freedman illuminates Seeger's life and career, creating a powerful, in-depth portrait of the woman, artist, activist, and champion of the folk music genre. . . . A must."—Library Journal
"Jean R. Freedman's thoroughly researched book is the definitive biography—a masterpiece."—FolkWorks

|Jean R. Freedman earned a Ph.D. in folklore from Indiana University. She is the author of Whistling in the Dark: Memory and Culture in Wartime London.