She was the M of P, P & M--Peter, Paul and Mary. Striking with her long blond hair that hung like corn silk down her back, Mary had the most wonderful throaty alto voice. I am partial to altos of any kind, since that's my natural voice range-- ;-)
I credit Mary with helping my husband and me fall in love. When we first met, we were counselors together at a church camp. The whole story is here, so I won't repeat it. But it was her song "There is a Ship" that I sang to the young man, who became my husband. Maybe my singing was siren-like (as in Odysseus, not police car...) because he claimed to have thus been ensnared.
Anyway.
Today I received an email from a long-time dear friend. We share many things--politics, an interest in women's issues, and a love of people who have fought to expand human rights.
My friend wrote, in part, that "a huge chunk of my personal heart died last night with the passing of Mary Travers...Their (i.e. Peter, Paul & Mary's) continued commitment to and involvement in issues of social justice all these years, as well as their music, have been such a boon and inspiration during dark times..."
To which I can only add--me, too.
Sweet dreams--Mary. Sleep well.
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Photo from
http://www.wagingpeace.org/menu/about/media-center/2007/08-22_evening_for_peace.htm
12 comments:
I hadn't heard about Mary's passing. I've always loved her voice and her passions too.
Godspeed, Mary.
Oh, I am sad to hear that. I am thankful my mom and dad introduced me to so much wonderful music-- PP&M, the Carpenters, Seals and Crofts, etc. I remember requesting Peter Paul and Mary when I was in elementary school, and my friends said, "WHO?!?!?"
We don't listen to the news much around here, so I didn't catch this either. I remember listening to PP&M a lot and you are right, she was a great lady.
I hated to see the news that Mary Travers had died, though I knew she'd been ill for a long time. I never heard PP&M in person, but I suppose I have most of their LPs. I remember when the "Folk Music" era began in the '60s; remember hootenannies—and remember when Peter, Paul & Mary were just starting out. They were soon at the top of their class, and stayed there because they all had real musical and vocal talent, especially when they worked together. And they used what they had to back their beliefs…so whether you agree with those beliefs or not, you have to credit them honesty and a willingness to work for what they thought was right.
When the music media turned to CDs, PP&M was the first one I purchased in that format. They were part of the background music as I was growing up. Sweet harmony.
I have been a fan since their first album got into my hands and on my old stereo. I always admired Mary's interest in social issues and justice. She will indeed be missed.
It is always sad to see the passing of the standard bearers of your youth. Mary Travers and P,P,& M were certainly part of years of passion for social change and justice.
I know just how you feel. She was a HUGE part of my youth too. She will be missed.
I remembered that you have referred to singing to your soon-to-be boyfriend. Didn't remember the song. Lois and I heard Paul sing at Notre Dame in 1977. But the three are always together in my memory.
As I got ready to leave for college, I turned on the new clock radio gift from my parents. There was Mary singing "Leaving on a Jet Plane." What a beautiful voice, a beautiful woman.
I understand how such partings can affect us.
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