In the early 1960’s American music underwent a change, with Folk becoming a popular alternative form. One of the most mainstream exponents of that movement was the trio, Peter, Paul and Mary. Along with the new radio frequency, FM, which was often broadcast in that marvelous new medium, Stereo, musical entertainment gained a new dimension, for me and a lot of others my age. And in a trend started before me and continuing long after, I spent what money I earned working for my dad on records.
Then, in late 1964, a British band, the Beatles, burst upon the scene and suddenly Folk music was passé. Although the Beatles played here, at Red Rocks (one of the only 3 places they appeared on that first tour), the $4 ticket price was a little rich for my blood, so I decided to buy their records instead. And because Rock and Roll was much cooler than Folk, I sold my PP&M records to my youngest brother, who adored the group.
Fast forward to 1978, and many things had changed in music: the Beatles had broken up some years before, as had PP&M. And Mary Travers was touring as a solo act. By this time, my youngest brother was managing the drycleaners my dad had sold to a trio of investors, and, clever guy that he is, when he went to see his beloved Mary at a local club, he sent a large bouquet backstage with a note offering to clean anything Mary or her band needed done. If you’ve ever been on the road, you may have some idea how welcome such an offer would be! Of, course, she accepted. So he made arrangements to have her interviewed for the local paper and asked me to do the photos for the article, in exchange for seeing both shows and meeting her.
So I did a series of shots, of Mary on stage, Mary backstage, Mary and the newspaper reporter, Mary and my brother. Then she asked if I’d like a shot of the two of us, and I handed my Nikon to my brother. Those of you who know me know I absolutely freeze when I know my picture is being taken, and that night was no exception. Someone said “smile,” to which I replied. “I can’t.” At which point, this warm, marvelous and totally genuine woman put her arm around me and gave me a squeeze. And, astonishingly enough, I not only smiled, but my brother actually managed to get a picture. This is a scan of a print from a slide, so it’s not the best quality. But it is proof that I can smile for the camera on occasion.
And by the way, Mary Travers will turn 70 on November 9. She has Leukemia, and has undergone a bone-marrow transplant which was apparently successful last year, but I found myself thinking of her a couple days ago, and I hope that does not bode ill. When PP&M got back together and did their Reunion Tour, my brother and I had the pleasure of being their guest, and getting their autographs on various items: they were amazed that I still had what was then a 20+ year-old songbook, and I still have it, now autographed by all 3. But meeting Mary was one of the high points of my life. Be well,
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