Weekend Far Away Song

We came across this vintage black and white video of Peter, Paul and Mary singing the poignant "500 Miles," and were struck by the wonderful quality of the audio (the video quality, not so much), considering that this performance was some 50 years ago. So many modern vocalists have become alike in style, but Mary Travers' incredible, penetrating alto voice is distinctively beautiful. PP&M virtually made the background music of the Civil Rights movement, and their work endures to this day.

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.