Mary Travers

Early Life and Education

Mary Allin Travers was born in 1936 in Louisville, Kentucky, to Robert Travers and Virginia Coigney, both journalists and active members of The Newspaper Guild. In 1938, after her father's employer closed, the family relocated to Greenwich Village, New York City. There, Travers attended the progressive Little Red School House, where she met influential figures like Pete Seeger and Paul Robeson, who even sang her lullabies. She left school in the 11th grade to join the Song Swappers folk group, marking the beginning of her musical journey.

Singing Career

Travers's career took off when she became a member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, formed in 1961 alongside Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey. The group quickly gained fame, sharing a manager with Bob Dylan and achieving significant success with songs like "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane." After the group disbanded in 1970, Travers pursued a solo career, releasing five albums, including "Mary" and "Morning Glory." The trio reunited in 1978, continuing to tour and record until her passing in 2009.

Personal Life

Travers was married four times, with her first marriage to John Filler producing her daughter Erika. She later married photographer Barry Feinstein, with whom she had her second daughter, Alicia. After a series of relationships, she married restaurateur Ethan Robbins in 1991, living in Redding, Connecticut until her death.

Legacy

Mary Travers passed away in 2009, and her memorial service was held on what would have been her 73rd birthday. The service was attended by many, including feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who praised Travers for her impact as a performer and activist. Travers's legacy as a powerful voice in folk music and a symbol of dissent continues to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike.