Sunday Morning with Peter, Paul & Mary

It should come as a surprise to no one that I am a huge fan of the music of legendary folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary. They brought such strength, such belief in what they were singing, and the music had the courage of their conviction. In the 1960s, they not only sang the music of protest, they also offered the music of hope, and the spiritual music, too. Take, for instance, their cover of "Children Go Where I Send Thee", a traditional African-American spiritual.



The also did a wonderful job with "Go Tell It On The Mountain", another African-American spiritual song, compiled by John Wesley Work, Jr., dating back to at least 1865. The song has been sung by the great voices of the last 150 years, all looking to raise their voice for something greater than pride or money.



Enjoy your Sunday!

Martin Luther King Day

To mark Martin Luther King Day, I offer U2's iconic song written about Dr. King. What more needs to be said?



Well, maybe just a little bit more. Here are Peter, Paul & Mary singing at the March on Washington in 1963, at the same march when Martin Luther King gave his 'I Have A Dream' speech. They sang Bob Dylan's Blowing In The Wind. Folk singers like Peter, Paul & Mary stood alongside Dr. King and others to fight for equality.

Election Night Special

When exchanging email with my sister in New Jersey, she reminded me of the wonderful tradition here in Delaware. After you sign in to the polling place, you stand in line for an open voting booth. As you get ready to go in, you are announced. 'Howard Stump is ready to vote.' Makes the vote feel very special. The picture above is Vice President Joseph Biden placing his vote this morning. Folk Music has long had a history of making political and social statements, standing up for what is the best in the world. On the evening of the election, I thought Peter, Paul & Mary, The Weavers and Billy Bragg would be a great way to celebrate another election. Enjoy.

Peter, Paul & Mary If I Had a Hammer




The Weavers - When The Saints Go Marchin' In




Peter, Paul & Mary The Times They Are A-Changing




Billy Bragg - All You Fascists Are Bound To Lose




Peter, Paul & Mary - 500 Miles

Sunday Night with Peter, Paul & Mary

All taken from 1965 and 1966 television appearances. The show was called Tonight In Person. I always loved Peter, Paul & Mary, and found their harmonies and musicality to be incredible. So tonight, it will be all about the voices and songs. Here are Mary Travers, Noel 'Paul' Stookey, and Peter Yarrow.

Puff The Magic Dragon


Blowing In The Wind


The Times They Are A-Changing


Come And Go With Me

Sad News - Mary Travers

It is with great sadness to say Mary Travers has left us. Part of the folk supergroup Peter, Paul & Mary, she had an undeniable talent and voice that ruled for decades. Starting in 1961, the group played all the top folk stages in New York City, and their first three albums were in the Top 10 at the time of the assasination of President Kennedy. Although the sales of their albums topped the charts, they only secured the top position with one single, Leaving On A Jet Plane.



I was and continue to be a huge fan of Peter, Paul and Mary. But rather than blather on about their talent, their commitment to social issues and causes, and the endless array of incredible songs, I shall let them, and Mary Travers, sing for themselves.



PP&M were Peter Yarrow, Noel 'Paul' Stookey, and Mary Travers. Their harmonies were some of the most incredible ever recorded. They worked together for more than 40 years, for Mary took a break in 2004 when she was diagnosed with leukemia. They were back to work in 2005.



I will miss Mary Travers, and feel sad the world will not hear the harmonies of Peter, Paul and Mary sing live again. Rest in peace, songbird.