Mary Travers of Peter, Paul, and Mary Died of Cancer at 72
By Seraphina L.
It will be a sad day the next time anyone hears “Leaving on a Jet Plane” or the immortal fairytale of “Puff (The Magic Dragon),” for the Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary has passed away Wednesday from cancer at 72-years-old.
In 2006, Travers was still “feeling fabulous” in 2006, but her health deteriorated quickly after a battle with leukemia. According to the Associated Press, her spokesperson, Heather Lylis, has confirmed that her death took place in Connecticut’s Danbury Hospital.
Travers was known for being the slinky, tall, leading blond in the famous folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary when she started collaborating and performing with the then two bearded men, Peter Yarrow and Noel “Paul” Stookey. However, her passion for music started early on with her natural passion for life.
After her parents moved to Greenwich Village, she quickly fell in love with folk scene and began singing backup for The Weavers. This was shortly after meeting Pete Seeger who lived in the same apartment building as her family.
However, when manager Albert B. Grossman was looking to “find a nobody that he could nurture and make famous,” Travers was selected and finally tasted stardom on her own with Yarrow and Stookey. Together, they wrote “Lemon Tree and popularized the infamous song, “If I Had A Hammer” (a powerful song about racial equality). Since Grossman was also managing Bob Dylan at the time, they were also famous for performing his song, “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Another song they favored with a rendition was John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jetplane.”
Helping Bob Dylan launch his career as they collaborated on each other’s albums, Peter, Paul and Mary went on to earn a few Grammys. They also continued to be involved with political movements. After the band disbanded, Travers and her band members launched their own solo careers.
Linking her kindness to her music, fellow band member, Peter Yarrow, stated:
“It was, as Mary always was, honest and completely authentic,” he said. “That’s the way she sang, too; honestly and with complete authenticity.”
Travers’ other band member, “Paul” Stookey added:
“I am deadened and heartsick beyond words to consider a life without Mary Travers and honored beyond my wildest dreams to have shared her spirit and her career.”
Mary Travers is survived by her husband, Ethan Robbins and her daughters, Alicia and Erika.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 3:37AM
Mary, oh how we will miss you~
Your voice, your beautiful soul was so needed on this earth.
Rest in peace.
I will always remember you.
Janice – Portland, Oregon
Thursday, September 17, 2009 3:39AM
Mary and Henry Gibson in the same day. I feel my childhood slipping away. Thanks for the hours of wonderful songs you, Peter, and Paul gave us, Mary. Puff is a very special song to us and a connection to my mother. Thank you for the gifts.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 3:44AM
It is with profound sadness and sorrow that I learn about the death of my favorite singer, Mary Travers. It is my fervent hope and prayer that she will now rest in peace. As a musician, I personally commit to keeping her music alive, so it will continue to be enjoyed by people long after Mary's passing. Now, like the flowers, Mary's gone to everyone, when will they every learn? When will we ever learn"
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 8:56PM
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Thursday, September 17, 2009 4:01AM
what a year God must really need some entertainment in heaven… Will Miss Mary …..But glad She lived long enough to see a black man become president..
Thursday, September 17, 2009 4:02AM
A great loss, but it's a pity that the author didn't even try to check facts. PP&M did not write "If I Had A Hammer" (Pete Seeger did) or "Leaving on a Jet Plane" (John Denver) or "Lemon Tree" (Will Holt). They just performed them to perfection.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 4:14AM
I too am sorry to hear that she has died. As big a fan of PP&M as I am and love their rendition of "Leaving on a Jet Plane," it was actually John Denver who wrote the song and not PP&M.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 4:18AM
Mary Travers was always my favorite singer. I will miss her forever. My flowers will always be dedicated to her.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:23AM
We will always love Mary and her music with Peter and Paul. She had such a beautiful soul. We will miss you but will always have your music….
Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:56AM
I'm 36 years old and I grew up listening to Peter, Paul and Mary, thanks to my mother. She took me to see them when I was 16 and I remember falling in love with their music all over again. As I got older and the meaning of their songs began to ring true for me, I was in awe of their courage, their commitment, their compassion and their integrity. Tonight when I learned of Mary Travers' death, my throat clenched and my heart tore a bit. I was looking forward to experiencing to joy of a Peter, Paul and Mary concert with my mother once again. Tonight the world is a darker place for having lost one of our bright lights.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:17AM
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Thursday, September 17, 2009 1:07PM
i will miss u.. all the good times we had together i wont foget
Thursday, September 17, 2009 1:17PM
"If I had a hammer" was written by Lee Hayes and Pete Seeger.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 3:12PM
PP&M were a significant part of my generation. Losing Mary is losing a part of who I am.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 6:58PM
Remembering PP&M is very special for me, as their music has always been part of my life. My favorite song of Mary's was probably "Children, One and All," from her solo album. We are all blessed that she has been part of our lives and of our culture.
Monday, February 1, 2010 4:54AM
it just makes me wish we could eradicate cancer once and for all, but also Mary was an idol of mine and she will be missed, and of course, I wish she was here with us NOW.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 3:58PM
Can you hear my heart beat Mary from where you are? I grew up with you and your CD is in my car at this very moment. A fan yes ,a fan who understood your music and shares your views, the beliefs and longing for peace on earth. Peter Paul and Mary also disciples of GOD and I do hope to meet you three in heaven some day so I can express my love for what you three have accomplished ,especially in my own life.You have been my bible as much as the bible has and without either I would have had no direction. sincerly with love ,Joyce Bates