The White House today marked the passing of Pete Seeger - who sang at the Lincoln Memorial on the eve of President Barack Obama's inaugural.
Noting that Seeger was once called "America’s tuning fork,” Obama said in a statement that the folk singer who died at 94 "believed deeply in the power of song.
"But more importantly, he believed in the power of community – to stand up for what’s right, speak out against what’s wrong, and move this country closer to the America he knew we could be," Obama said. "Over the years, Pete used his voice – and his hammer – to strike blows for worker’s rights and civil rights; world peace and environmental conservation. And he always invited us to sing along.
"For reminding us where we come from and showing us where we need to go, we will always be grateful to Pete Seeger. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Pete’s family and all those who loved him."
Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce and others entertained an estimated half-million people on the National Mall with songs and readings before Obama's inauguration.