Remembering Mary Travers
In the Wind
There will be many remembrances of Mary Travers today -- and probably an equal number who say: who’s that, again? She was a singer of power, and amazing stage presence, and a woman committed to social justice all her life. Through the 1960s, Peter, Paul , and Mary were the most popular folk group in the United States. In later years some would ridicule their music for being too commercial. Whatever you may think about that, they opened doors for many writers and singers who came along with them.
If you look back at what the trio recorded in the sixties, you’ll find the work of the really great writers -- Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Tyson, Tom Paxton -- you’ll find funny stuff like The Marvelous Toy and I Dig Rock n Roll Music, gospel songs, Irish songs [The Rising of the Moon and Gilgarry Mountain for two] and always, always songs of peace, social justice, and connection. One of their great gifts was inviting people to sing along -- and getting us still, through the legacy of their recordings, to sing along to songs of truth, justice, peace, and hope.
Thanks for the grace, the courage and the music, Mary. Your ship has come in.
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Music Road: Ian Tyson: Yellowhead to Yellowstone
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Labels: 1960s, american folk music, mary travers, peter paul and mary, singer, the sixties
4 Comments:
I was so sad when I saw this in the paper this morning. I loved Peter Paul and Mary. It is not officially Christmas here until we play their Christmas concert CD.
I love their music. I offer my prayers and condolences to the family.
Thanks for this beautiful tribute. She seems like a lovely person as well as singer.
One of the first concerts I ever attended was Peter, Paul, and Mary, outside Washington, DC. Her singing was etherial, better in person even than on the record. I felt so fortunate to be there.
I don't know how many times I listened to "Leaving on a Jet Plane," and I used to sing "Puff" to my children.
Mary Travers will be missed!
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