And yet another sad loss today. Mary Travers, one third of the prolific folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away today from complications related to cancer treatments. She had been fighting leukemia for some time now. In addition to her music career, or perhaps through it, Mary was a strong activist for human rights and equality.
While Peter, Paul and Mary are best known for the childhood favorite, "Puff the Magic Dragon," I've found videos on YouTube of some of my favorite songs that highlight Mary Travers:
- Blowin in the Wind
- Leavin on a Jet Plane
- Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
- Would You Like to Learn to Dance?
My favorite song that Mary Travers sang lead on was "I'd Rather Be in Love," but I couldn't find a video of it.
Please feel free to share your favorite Peter, Paul and Mary songs or memories.
I was saddened to read of Mary’s death. PP&M’s music was such a big part of our youth growing up in those turbulent times. I am glad that we were able to see them on tour a couple of years ago and that we took our granddaughter to see them so that she could see them. As the song says,
Carry on my sweet survivor, carry on my lonely friend
Don’t give up on the dream, and don’t you let it end.
Carry on my sweet survivor,
Though you know that something’s gone
For everything that matters carry on.
I am so sad to hear of the loss of Mary Travers. She was a powerful influence on my life and beliefs. She championed the causes that needed a voice through her music, and taught so many the enjoyment of singing. I sang “I’ll walk in the rain by your side…”as a lullaby to my daughter, and now sing “Freight Train” to my grandson. So many songs to love…The Song IS LOVE. Farewell, Mary Travers. The world is better because of you. Fare thee well.