The Weavers

The Weavers were an American folk quartet formed in 1948, known for bringing traditional folk songs and politically engaged music to a broad audience.

Pete Seeger: An American folk singer, banjo player, and political activist who helped found the Weavers. His banjo, singing, and political commitments shaped the quartet’s repertoire and public identity.
Goodnight, Irene: A traditional American folk song popularized by Lead Belly and recorded by the Weavers in 1950. The Weavers’ hit recording made this song their signature commercial success.
American folk music revival: A twentieth-century movement that renewed public interest in American folk music and its performance. The Weavers became a major popular voice within this broader movement.
Blacklist: A list or practice that excludes people from employment or public opportunities for political or other reasons. The Weavers’ blacklisting curtailed performances and recordings during the early 1950s.
Lee Hays: An American folk singer and songwriter who performed with the Weavers and co-wrote several songs with Pete Seeger. His bass voice and songwriting were central to the quartet’s sound.
Tzena, Tzena, Tzena: A Hebrew song written in 1941 by Issachar Miron, with English lyrics by Julius Grossman. The group’s 1950 recording became a major hit and showcased its international repertoire.
People's Songs: A left-wing organization founded in 1945 to promote topical and labor songs. Pete Seeger and Lee Hays were involved in this musical network before the Weavers formed.
Harry Belafonte: An American singer and actor who popularized folk and Caribbean-influenced songs in the 1950s. His hit recording of “The Banana Boat Song” followed the Weavers’ successful version.
Ronnie Gilbert: An American folk singer and actress, best known as the Weavers’ contralto. Her distinctive low voice helped define the quartet’s harmonies.
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine: A folk-pop song adapted by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays from an Irish folk song. The Weavers’ recording shows how the quartet reshaped traditional material into a popular song.

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