The Weavers (music group)
The Weavers were a prominent American folk music group active from 1949 to 1953, known for their influential sound and widespread popularity during this period. The group consisted of notable members Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Lee Hays, and Fred Hellerman, and they sold millions of recordings, gathering a significant following. Their progressive stance on social issues led to them being labeled communists by a Federal Bureau of Investigation informant in 1952, which affected their career and led to increasing difficulties in securing performance opportunities. Despite their political affiliations, only Seeger was a member of the Communist Party, from which he had since distanced himself. The group's disbandment in 1953 came as a result of the blacklisting they faced, preventing them from booking engagements with major organizations. They made a notable reunion in 1955 for a Carnegie Hall concert, reflecting the broader resurgence of blacklisted artists. After several lineup changes, The Weavers disbanded permanently in 1964, although they reunited for a final performance at Carnegie Hall in 1980. Their legacy remains significant in the history of American folk music.
Subject Terms
The Weavers (music group)
Formed: 1948
Type of organization: Folk singing quartet
Significance: The Weavers were blacklisted by conservative anticommunist groups
The Weavers (Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Lee Hays, Fred Hellerman) became one of the most influential and popular folk singing groups in the United States in the period from 1949 to 1951, selling millions of recordings and gaining a large following. They were denounced as communists in 1952 by a Federal Bureau of Investigation informant—a former staff member of People’s Songs who later recanted his testimony. Although the members of the Weavers had supported progressive causes, only Pete Seeger had been on the rolls of the Communist Party, and he quit that organization. The Weavers disbanded in 1953 after finding it increasingly difficult to find engagements, encountering a series of rejections based on the assumption that they were subversives. Groups that refused to hire the Weavers included VanCamp beans, the National Broadcasting Company, and the organizers of the Ohio State Fair. Pete Seeger and Lee Hays were called before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in August, 1955. The Weavers reunited for a Carnegie Hall Christmas Eve concert that year at a time when many blacklisted performers were again finding work. They disbanded permanently in 1964 after several personnel changes and met for a last reunion at Carnegie Hall in 1980.
