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Peter, Paul and Mary and the Cultivation of Commercial Folk Music in the American Folk Revival
Miller, Christy J
Miller, Christy J
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Abstract
During the 1960s, Peter, Paul and Mary recorded a large repertory of folk song arrangements and original compositions that appealed to both folk and mainstream audiences. The group was brought together by manager Albert Grossman, who aimed to capitalize on the recent commercial popularity of other folk trios and quartets such as the Kingston Trio. However, members Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers already had participated in the Folk Revival prior to the trio's formation. As a professional ensemble, Peter, Paul and Mary created simple, polished song arrangements that were accessible to mainstream audiences while drawing from their own urban folk music experiences, utilizing improvised vocal harmonies accompanied by finger-picked guitar and upright bass. Even while gaining commercial popularity, Peter, Paul and Mary remained active within the folk community, participating in the Newport Folk Festival and maintaining active relationships with other Revival musicians such as Bob Dylan. They used folk music as a vehicle for social activism and performed at the 1963 March on Washington and other similar events. Compositions by the trio also emphasized social justice, both textually and musically. Peter, Paul and Mary's 1960s repertory may be divided into four categories: traditional folk songs, Revivalist compositions, original compositions, and parodies. The trio's early repertory rely heavily upon preexisting folk material; these early arrangements exemplify Peter, Paul and Mary's early and best known style. In the latter half of the decade, Peter, Paul and Mary expand their approach to include additional instruments and electronic manipulation. Additionally, they begin to compose a significant portion of their own repertory. Analysis of specific arrangements and compositions will demonstrate the accessibility and appeal of Peter, Paul and Mary's musical style to mainstream audiences as well as their grounding in Folk Revival styles and ideals.
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Date
2009-01-01
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University of Kansas
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This item contains archived web content.
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Miller_ku_0099M_10538_DATA_1.pdf
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Keywords
Music, Folk Revival, Mary Travers, Noel Paul Stookey, Peter Yarrow, Peter, Paul and Mary