_The Weavers: (l-r) Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Lee Hays, Fred Hellerman_

Fred Hellerman, member of folk pioneers The Weavers, died Thursday at his home in Connecticut, his son Caleb confirmed. Hellerman was 89, the last surviving member of The Weavers after the passing of fellow members Pete Seeger, Lee hays and Ronnie Gilbert.

The Weavers rose to fame in the around mid-20th century for their straightforward style and songs like “Goodnight Irene,” “On Top of Old Smokey,” “If I Had A Hammer” and “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine.” After being denounced as Communists in the early ’50s, the band’s popularity returned a decade later, paving the way for the folk boom of the ’60s. Watch a video of The Weavers singing “Goodnight Irene” below.

Hellerman himself was born in Brooklyn and joined the Coast Guard during World War II. After the breakup of The Weavers in 1964, he continued his music career, playing with artists like Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, Judy Collins and Don McLean. Hellerman also produced Arlo Guthrie’s hit folk tune “Alice’s Restaurant.”

Caleb Hellerman told the CT Post that his father’s health was declining in the recent years and that he passed away surrounded by family.