Phil Ochs Phun Satire Songs Pete Seeger Oscar Brand Fred Hellerman Weavers

The genius Phil Ochs wrote all kinds of songs, including satirical ones. Here are two that lightened up the 1976 Felt Forum Tribute Show, which featured brilliant, serious performances by Tim Hardin, Dave Van Ronk, Jim Glover, Melanie and many others. Oscar Brand, who died at age 96 in 2016, was a legend. He re-discovered and adapted folk songs (including his series of “Bawdy” ones) and made dozens of albums. He also had an incredibly long-running radio show that gave exposure to both the traditional folkies, and the new wave that included Phil Ochs and Judy Henske. As many have done, Oscar chooses to update Phil’s original lyrics a bit. Half of the Weavers showed up: Pete Seeger and Fred Hellerman. Both of these guys had a great sense of humor. On the “On Tour” album, the Weavers offered up some tunes that are still very funny, from Pete’s “Talking Blues” to Fred’s take on “The Frozen Logger.” In the TelePromptr age, it's easy to just go up there and sing, but in 1976, you had to memorize those songs. On a "one-off" evening, you also had to be aware of where the microphone is when you swing your guitar. This makes for some added hilarity during Pete and Fred's true ragtime (banjo!) take on "Draft Dodger Rag." Pete Seeger died at 94 in 2014, leaving behind an immense legacy that included totally re-working obscure folk songs (“Wimoweh”) and creating an enduring classic melding music to The Bible (“Turn Turn Turn”). He was a tireless performer for worthy causes, and a challenging, controversial figure. This included performing his Vietnam protest song “Waste Deep in the Big Muddy” when TV networks were intent on banning him. He was no stranger to blacklists. His pal Fred Hellerman, who died at 89 in 2016, was the last survivor of the legendary Weavers group, which included Lee Hays and Ronnie Gilbert. Ronnie covered two of Phil Ochs’ songs (“What’s That I Hear” and “Power and the Glory”) and you can find those on this YouTube channel.