It's almost a year later but I'm finally getting around to putting this up.

I've been a huge Pete Seeger fan all my life. More than a fan, Pete was one of my earliest musical and lifestyle influences. I learned songs from him that I still sing today and in some ways I also learned how to sing from him––with passion and love in your voice.

Back when I was finalizing my Sing-Along 2 [1] CD I sent a demo CD off to Pete Seeger. The song I wanted him to hear was my recording of "If I Had A Hammer," which was written by Pete and fellow Weavers member, Lee Hayes. The song is known worldwide and a staple of sing-alongs, campfire gatherings and Scout troops. It's also been recorded by many well-known artists so I knew I was doing something rather daring by recording it myself.



All the same, I felt that since I had grown up with the song, singing it time and time again since the age of 5, I had a valid reason to offer my rendition of it, too.

Well, several months later I was surprised and pleased to find that a postcard had arrived from Pete and I'll present it in full here--

Aug 23, '05

Paul--only today I read your letter --will listen to CD's soon as possible. I did listen to "Hammer"-- great! But my ears couldn't catch the words you sang instead of "sisters" ("my bothers and my sisters" is how I and Peter, Paul & Mary sing it.) Have you heard Sam Cooke's 1964 version? He also sang it high up. You've got a great voice!

old Pete

You can read the lyrics, listen to the version of the song I sent to Pete here [2] and even buy a download for your own music collection if you want to.

I'll also scan the card for all to see. It still gives me a warm glow inside whenever I see it. Thanks, Pete!

Take'er easy!
Paul

Walking Oliver signs contract with Boosey & Hawkes music publishing [3]

Paul Austin Kelly To Perform on BBC Radio 2 Programme "Friday Night is Music Night" on June 2nd. [4]

Number 1 on the UK Charts! [5]