Mid-Week Song: A Twofer

 

Mary Travers, of the groundbreaking folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, who passed away in 2009, would have turned 86 today. Her powerful voice and presence inspired so many others who followed on the path of music with social justice. One of the trio's most historic performances was at the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his "I have a dream" speech, and where they sang "If I Had A Hammer." The inspirational song seems fitting today as a far-right Trumpist "red wave" appears not to have materialized. 

Venerable indie rock group Yo La Tengo (I Have It) has released a track, "Fallout", from their upcoming (February 2023) album (their 17th) "This Stupid World." Enjoy.

Goodbye, Mary

Peter, Paul and Mary's Mary Travers passed away yesterday after battling leukemia for years. Mary was the main voice and the anchor for the folk group, which received 5 Grammy awards and was the most popular folk music act of the 1960s. Their support of the Civil Rights movement, including a performance at Martin Luther King's 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, was unwavering, as was their more recent activism on behalf of progressive issues. Mary's straight blond, shoulder-length hair worn with bangs set a trend for years to come. Her smoky alto voice was compelling and unique. The group's many hits will stand the test of time -- If I Had A Hammer, Blowin' in the Wind, Puff the Magic Dragon, Leaving on a Jet Plane, among many more. We will miss her voice.