Pete Seeger and TV did not always mix

Pete Seeger, the great American singer and folk-song writer who died Monday at the age of 94, became popular as television was becoming popular.  But Seeger, who believed folk music could be a catalyst for social change, and network television did not always mix.

The obituary of Seeger in the New York Times tells how "Hootenanny," a show on ABC that capitalized on the 1960s folk revival, refused to book Seeger because of his political views. In protest, other performers, including Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, refused to appear on the show. "Hootenanny" officials agreed to put Seeger on the show if he signed a loyalty oath but he refused.  In 1967, Seeger taped, "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy," a song he wrote protesting the Vietnam War, for the "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." However, the song was cut before the show was broadcast.  The Smothers Brothers protested the censorship and Seeger later was invited to appear on the show.

As times changed, Seeger returned to television more and more, including a memorable appearance on "Sesame Street." But his early problems with network executives are a reminder of how commercial television too often avoids even the hint of controversy.