He became the Guardian's executive editor in 1972 and led it into the milieu of the New Communist Movement. He began to write on more directly political subjects, specializing in analysis of both national and international developments and developing a broad and appreciative readership. After leaving Sing Out! in 1968, Silber became cultural editor of the independent radical newsweekly, The Guardian and also its film critic. In 1968, he signed the ' Writers and Editors War Tax Protest' pledge, vowing to refuse tax payments in protest against the Vietnam War. Silber was published giving details on his role in the progressive folk music circles of the 40s, 50s and 60s as well as his appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950s. On the occasion of his 80th birthday an interview with Mr. His creation of Oak Publications was responsible for a large portion of the folk music material available in print during the growth of the revival. The co-founder, and former long-time editor of Sing Out! magazine from 1951 to 1967, Silber was perhaps best known for his writing on American folk music and musicians until he left Sing Out! and began writing for the radical left wing newspaper The Guardian. Through his involvement with folk music, Silber made the acquaintance of Pete Seeger, Alan Lomax, and others influential in that music scene. Silber attended Brooklyn College, where he was instrumental in establishing the American Folksay Group. Silber ultimately severed his ties with the CPUSA in 1955. Īs a young man, Silber joined the Young Communist League, the youth section of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), moving later to membership in the adult party. Irwin Silber was born in New York City, to Jewish parents. He edited the folk music magazine Sing Out! and was active in far-left politics throughout his life. Irwin Silber (Octo– September 8, 2010) was an American Communist, editor, publisher, and political activist.

Folksingers wordbook