Mary Travers — Authenticity, Voice, Resilience
Mary Travers (1936-2009)
There are many voices of resilience which last well beyond an individual lifespan.
Mary Travers has one of those voices.
From Kentucky, to New York, to places all over the world, Mary sang from her heart and listeners’ hearts were captured.
Authenticity was a major facet of Mary’s long and resilient career. She and her pals Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey turned authenticity into a calling card. A tough fight at times, with the new trends of popularization and commercialization of folk music ‘Moving’ on the scene.
Peter Paul and Mary were able to become wildly popular while retaining their commitment to a focused calling — articulating the dignity and value of all persons and all peoples. And suggesting, of all things, that we treat each other as brothers and sisters.
Their close harmonies have always had more than musical significance. They are symbols of how working together can bring new beauty into being.
Take heart and find a way to voice your authentic self, in the context of something larger than you. It will give your Resilience Rating a boost! (See our post on Making Connections and Resilience for more about context support).
There is so much listening to do. Some of it involves Mary Travers, both wearing her ‘Peter Paul & Mary’ hat, and in her solo work. Some of the listening has to do with finding our OWN voice.
Listen to the signals that hint at your own authenticity and resilience. Then find the courage to voice them. Perhaps revisiting Mary’s voice will encourage you.
Enjoy a sample of Mary’s voice, from 1966:
(and from our almost-shameless commerce division) If you’re interested, you can
Click here to Browse the Peter Paul & Mary Store at Amazon.
Share your Favorites, or anything about finding your voice, in the Comments below.
