Mary Travers, of the iconic folk singing group, Peter, Paul and Mary, died Wednesday. After successful recovery from leukemia through a bone marrow/stem cell transplant, Mary succumbed to the side effects of one of her chemotherapy treatments. She had been suffering from leukaemia for several years.
Peter, Paul and Mary had many hits, but are known perhaps universally for two: If I Had a Hammer, and Puff, The Magic Dragon. The group released their debut album in 1962.
They became known for their mixture of liberal politics with folk music that won them a loyal following of fans and also five Grammy Awards.
Bandmate Peter Yarrow said that in her last months, Travers handled her declining health "in the bravest, most generous way imaginable".
He added that throughout her long career, Travers sang with honesty and complete authenticity.
"I believe that, in the most profound of ways, Mary was incapable of lying, as a person, and as an artist - that took great courage, and Mary was always equal to the task."
Noel "Paul" Stookey, the trio's other member, praised the singer for her inspiring activism, "especially in her defense of the defenseless."
"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," he said.
Travers was an outspoken supporter of the civil rights and anti-war movements.
(Excerpted from BBC News) Click on the headline for the PP&M website.
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