In the past couple of days, two giant figures in American popular culture have passed away. First, there was the passing of Patrick Swayze. Now, I am sad to report the death of Mary Travers.
Mary Travers died Wednesday at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut after suffering from leukemia for several years. She was 72.
Mary was best known as the blond with the bangs who commanded the middle microphone with Peter, Paul and Mary a trio that brought folk music from coffeehouses to top-40 radio.
Travers, like Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow, saw folk music both as an art and as an instrument for change. They sang a number of sociopolitical songs, which Travers later defended.
"I'm not sure I want to be singing 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' when I'm 75," she said in one interview. "But I know I'll still be singing 'Blowin' in the Wind.' "
Peter, Paul and Mary took considerable criticism from fellow folk singers for developing a sound that some considered too "commercial" and not "authentic" enough.
Travers always strongly defended the trio's sound, saying that they were in the folk tradition by making music accessible to everyone, not just academic collectors.
P, P and M were inducted into the Sammy Cahn Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. Travers is survived by two daughters.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to see Peter, Paul and Mary perform live at a concert. I have never been so moved by a musical performance.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Rest in Peace Mary!
Puff the Magic Dragon - my childhood favorite.
Leaving on a Jet Plane – for lovers the world over.
Blowing in the Wind – Mary’s own favorite song and the anthem for an entire generation of Americans who believed in the power of music to change the world.
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, n how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, n how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before theyre forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind,
The answer is blowin in the wind.
How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, n how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, n how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind,
The answer is blowin in the wind.
How many years can a mountain exist
Before its washed to the sea?
Yes, n how many years can some people exist
Before theyre allowed to be free?
Yes, n how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesnt see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind,
The answer is blowin in the wind.
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