I'm probably not the best person to write this diary but no one else here seems to have noted her death. Ronnie Gilbert, one of the original members of the Weavers and a life long crusader for a better world, has died at the age of 88. Ms Gilbert was one of the two younger members of the seminal folk group, being only in her early 20s when it formed in the late 1940s. After being blacklisted the Weavers came back in the mid-50s and persisted until 1964. Since that time Ronnie Gilbert has been a strong advocate for all kinds of progressive causes. For example, I have an LP of hers playing union songs for auto workers.
In the 1980s she collaborated extensively with Holly Near and more briefly in the folk 'super-group' H.A.R.P. featuring Near as well as Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
In the video above Gilbert talks about her motivation for working with Near as well as brief clips of performances with Near and the Weavers.
After a long career her powerful voice has finally got a chance to rest. Thanks to Ronnie Gilbert for an inspirational life and over 60 years of amazing music.
From the Weavers' reunion (and final performance) in 1980. I first became aware of the Weavers from my parents' LP of their 1955 Carnegie Hall concert. I really didn't know much of anything about their history until I saw this concert on PBS in the early 80s.
Two more versions of the Weavers' most famous song
Also I am far from an expert on her life and music. Please add to this in the comments. For example, Ms Gilbert was either gay or bisexual. Originally married to a man she was married (briefly) in California to Donna Korones until the marriage was declared invalid. She remained with Ms. Korones until her death. However I know nothing about this aspect of her life.