Peter, Paul and Mary
Biography
Peter, Paul and Mary were an American folk group formed in New York City in 1961, consisting of Peter Yarrow, Noel Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers. They were brought together by manager Albert Grossman, who sought to create a folk "supergroup" by combining three talented singers from the Greenwich Village folk scene. After months of rehearsal, they debuted at The Bitter End, a popular folk club in Greenwich Village.
Early Success and Rise to Fame
The trio's self-titled debut album was released in 1962 and became an immediate success, remaining in the Billboard Top Ten for 10 months. The album featured hits like "Lemon Tree" and "500 Miles," as well as their version of Pete Seeger's "If I Had a Hammer," which became a civil rights anthem. They were instrumental in popularizing the songs of Bob Dylan, with their cover of "Blowin' in the Wind" becoming a massive international hit and helping to propel Dylan's own career. The group was a significant presence at the 1963 March on Washington, where they performed both "If I Had a Hammer" and "Blowin' in the Wind".
Musical Style and Activism
Peter, Paul and Mary were known for their tight three-part harmonies, with Yarrow's tenor, Stookey's baritone, and Travers' contralto blending seamlessly. Their music was a mix of traditional folk songs, contemporary compositions, and children's songs. A cornerstone of their identity was their unwavering commitment to social and political activism. They lent their voices to the civil rights movement, protested the Vietnam War, and advocated for various human rights causes throughout their career.
Breakup and Reunions
In 1970, at the height of their popularity, the group decided to break up to pursue individual interests. During this period, Stookey wrote the popular "The Wedding Song (There Is Love)," Travers recorded solo albums and hosted a BBC television series, and Yarrow co-wrote and produced other artists. The trio first reunited in 1972 for a benefit concert and then again in 1978 for a reunion album and tour. From 1981 onwards, they reunited more permanently, continuing to tour and record new music for decades.
Later Years and Legacy
Peter, Paul and Mary continued to perform and release albums, including the Grammy-winning children's album "Peter, Paul and Mommy" (1969) and its follow-up "Peter, Paul & Mommy, Too" (1993). Their final studio album, "In These Times," was released in 2003. The group's journey came to an end with the death of Mary Travers from leukemia in 2009. Yarrow and Stookey continued to perform as a duo for some time. Peter, Paul and Mary's legacy lies in their timeless music, their role in the 1960s folk revival, and their steadfast dedication to using their art to promote social change. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.