Mary Travers

A great voice has been stilled with the death of folk singer Mary Travers of the legendary trio Peter, Paul and Mary.

The folk harmonies spun by Mary Travers, Peter Yarrow and Noel "Paul" Stookey created a distinctive, pure sound that led to a succession of hit songs and albums in the 1960s. But it was more than that.

The music carried a message. "If I Had a Hammer" written by Pete Seeger became a rallying cry for racial equality. Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" raised questions about war, freedom and social justice that are still being asked today. The poignant "Leavin' on a Jet Plane" and "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" are now established anthems in the American songbook.

The trio helped launch the careers of Bob Dylan, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot and others by performing their songs. Peter, Paul and Mary's rendition of "If I Had a Hammer" at the March on Washington in 1963 is linked in history with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Had a Dream Speech."

Peter Paul and Mary began pursuing solo careers in 1970, but held periodic reunions, including this summer although Ms. Travers was too ill to perform. Their music, though timeless, evokes a decade of social change, antiwar protests and political turmoil. The songs are interwoven with America's history.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame said: "Travers' soaring voice and signature harmonies were instrumental in (the group's) achievement of a rarefied level of commercial success without compromise, while continuing a centuries-old tradition of people raising their voices in song for the sake of freedom."

Their music made a difference, causing listeners to reflect not only on social and political issues but life's great questions. The songs and the spirit behind them live on.