CNN is reporting on the induction of Peter, Paul, and Mary into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They will be recipients of the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award.
Now, those who know me know that I’m not into “popular” music. I primarily like three types of music: showtunes, Jewish music, and my oldest love, folk music. My favorite artists are folks like Peter, Paul, and Mary and Tom Paxton. Whereas my uncle and cousin play this music on the guitar, I play it on the CD player.
Folks may not be familiar with PP&M. Although originally they were a “manufactured” group (just like the Weavers), they have been a long standing part of commercial folk music. the trio has won five Grammys, produced five Top 10 albums and 13 Top 40 hits, of which 6 ascended into the Top 10 – as well as six gold and three platinum albums. Although many of their songs were covers (Blowin’ in the Wind, Jet Plane) others were written by the group, primarily by my favorite member, Peter Yarrow.
Alas, I haven’t seen them in a few years, although I used to go to their concerts regularly. Their last few visits out to LA they were at the Cerritos Center at outrageous prices. Mary then got hit with AML, and the tours stopped. They’ve started up, but there are no Los Angeles dates. As a side note, folks may not know that the person behind the PP&M website is none other than Noel Paul himself.
So, congrats to Peter, Paul and Mary. Long may you soldier on…
P.S.: I should note that Tom Paxton also received an award, specifically, a 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance.
