JACK PARR CANCELS THE WEAVERS APPEARANCE ON TV SHOW
New York City (JFK+50) On January 2, 1962, The Weavers*, a popular folk singing group scheduled to appear on the Jack Parr television show, were cancelled when the group refused to sign a loyalty oath.
The Weavers. founded by Pete Seeger** in 1948, had come under suspicion because of their support for pacifism and communist ideals. In addition to Seeger, the quartet included Lee Hays, Ronnie Gilbert and Fred Hellerman.
The Weavers recorded the first folk song to reach Number One on the pop music charts, 'Goodnight, Irene!'
*The Weavers, originating in New York's Greenwich Village, were blacklisted during most of the 1960s. Pete Seeger left the group in 1958. The Weavers disbanded in 1964.
**Peter Seeger (1919-2014) was born in New York City & was a musician, songwriter & social activist 1939-2013. PS wrote 'Where Have All the Flowers Gone?' made famous by The Kingston Trio, 'If I Had A Hammer,' made famous by Peter, Paul & Mary, and 'Turn, Turn, Turn," made famous by The Byrds.
SOURCE
"Weavers Appearance on Jack Parr Show Cancelled When Group Refused To Sign Loyalty Oath," JFK+50, January 2, 2014, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/
