Terra Tackett

March 24, 2003

Com 290

L. Rohler

Peter, Paul and Mary

 

            The 1960’s was a very tumultuous time in America.  The 60’s brought out War, Civil Rights Movements, drugs, and free love.  Singer/songwriters Peter, Paul and Mary (PPM) started out during this unusual, creative period.  Their folk music reflected the trying times of the 1960’s and it gave hope to millions.

            The Vietnam War, as tragic as it was, did bring about something positive.  In the midst of rallies, pickets, and fatal demonstrations protesting the war, there was the yearning for peace and love.  By the time of this crisis PPM already had the creditionals, the history of involvement, and the authority to address this issue unlike any other folk musicians before their time.  The song “500 miles” off of their first album touched the hearts of millions because the war was underway and draft notices and departures for the military and service overseas became more routine.  It is no surprise to “have their music associated with causes and solutions of life” (“Peter, Paul and Mary”).  The most important thing to PPM is the content and message in their music and the energy it generates from it.  In music “they placed themselves on the front lines of the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960’s” (“Peter, Paul and Mary”).  They were deeply involved with the anti-war crusade by participating in demonstrations, fundraisers, and “teach-ins”.

            The Civil Rights Movement generated a new revolution.  This was the turning point for all music.  “It was folk music that was to spark the imagination and the passion of a generation intent on social change” (“Peter, Paul and Mary”).  On August 28, 1963 history was made when the “March on Washington” was held on the mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.  An estimated quarter of a million blacks and whites were there to demonstrate human rights.  The most historical aspect of that march was Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech “I have a Dream”.  CBS covered the march and it had several guest appearances, one of which was Peter, Paul and Mary.  They stood at the Lincoln Memorial and sang “The Hammer Song” which was the Civil Rights anthem with “its stirring final verse about “the hammer of justice”, “the bell of freedom” and “the song about love between my brothers and my sisters, all over this land” (Ruhlmann).  PPM “were not only the most politically committed, but also the most popular singing group in the United States” (Ruhlmann).  On recalling that summer Peter Yarrow said, “I was very, very happy, because I loved singing…I was very committed…I knew that the world could be a better place.  I knew that folk music could and should have a role in making all that work” (Ruhlmann).

            The reason why Peter, Paul and Mary were so popular and still are to this day is that they appeal, “to liberals and anti-war activists, and raising consciousnesses of the interested, but also entertaining middle-of-the road listeners, and especially to parents who felt their music was safe for younger children”(Eder).  However, many people believe that their song “Puff the Magic Dragon” has hidden themes relating to marijuana.  Paul Stookey denies this implication and has said that it is just a simple song about a boy dealing with loneliness.  Their music also bridges gaps of different generations of people as well as people with different opinions and beliefs.  Their music belongs to everyone.  Still to this day they are signed with the same company that signed them back in the early 60’s—Warner Bros.

            Peter, Paul and Mary dealt with issues that teenagers as well as older people were experiencing during the 1960’s.  Their folk music was a way to try to help bring about peace and love to all mankind during the times of war and hate.  PPM have continued to volunteer for various causes such as world hunger, gun violence against children, and the effort to advance economic justice to strawberry pickers in California.  Their legacy will live on that all the world needs is love and to stop the violence that is destroying us all.

 

 

Works Cited with Links

Eder, Bruce.  “Peter, Paul and Mary-Biography”.  March 18, 2003. 

            http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=product&id=1927001764&clink=dmmu.artist&a=b

“Peter, Paul and Mary”.  March 18, 2003. 

            http://www.peterpaulmary.com/history/bio.htm

Ruhlmann, William.  “Beginnings:  Peter, Paul and Mary A Song to Sing all Over This

Land”  March 18, 2003.  http://www.peterpaulmary.com/history/ruhlmann.1.htm