Mary Travers of Peter, Paul, and Mary passed away yesterday after a battle with cancer. From the Times:
Their sound may have been commercial and safe, but early on their politics were somewhat risky for a group courting a mass audience. Like Mr. Yarrow and Mr. Stookey, Ms. Travers was outspoken in her support for the civil-rights and antiwar movements, in sharp contrast to clean-cut folk groups like the Kingston Trio, which avoided making political statements.Peter, Paul and Mary went on to perform at the 1963 March on Washington and joined the voting-rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965.
Over the years they performed frequently at political rallies and demonstrations in the United States and abroad. After the group disbanded, in 1970, Ms. Travers continued to perform at political events around the world as she pursued a solo career.
At a time when there are too few women singing about social justice in the mainstream music world, it's easy to admire such a bold, unapologetic voice. And hot damn if she didn't have some hot dresses back in the day. RIP Mary.
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I loved Peter, Paul & Mary when I was young. Loved Mary's voice, loved the harmonies. She was a great role model. And of course I loved her hair! Sad that she has left us.
I love the song you linked! I've never listened to Peter Paul and Mary specifically... but i know this song from Pete Seeger. I'm definitely going to seek out some PP&M music now.
My dad originally introduced me to PP&M when I was something like 7 or 8? I remember walking into the living room, and he asked me to watch them on PBS with him. I groaned, but watched anyway, and fell instantly in love with their music! Today, they're one of my biggest music influences. Mary was always my favorite, as a strong female role model. I will miss her always!
Mary was tall, and unapologetic, always had a great sense of STYLE (not fashion).
As she got older, wiser, and larger, she showed us big beautiful women how to dress with flair. She was proud of who she was and when I need a pick up any one of her videos does it for me.
My young daughter loves the show Peter Paul and Mommy, 2--it's out of print but may be available at your library. Great for introducing kids to PPM.
Oh, and how could I forget! She was vocally prochoice, and the first person I ever heard come out about her abortion.
The fact that I even forgot that speaks volumes about how the world respects her as a musician and a person.