Thank you Mary Travers
I was rather shocked and deeply saddened when I read Mary Travers died. I’d never really though about it much but much of my early interest in folk music was inspired by Peter, Paul and Mary. I remember listening to them on 8-track and, though I never had many of their albums, it seemed I always ran across their songs. I would say that they, along with Paul Simon / Simon and Garfunkel and John Denver were what really got me started playing guitar and singing. To this day, when I sing If I had a Hammer, or Lemon Tree, or especially Day is Done, I hear their harmony playing along in my head. I can’t believe I’m tearing up but it kind of feels like losing an old friend.
This might be a good place to list some of the many others who’ve inspired me and helped me along to where I am. (Where am I anyway?) I’m always amazed at how simple and how timeless Malvina Reynolds’ work is. It’s about issues we are dealing with today though the songs were written 50 years ago. I missed meeting her by five weeks, she passed away just before she was to come perform at Rocky Mountain College.
My classical voice teacher, the late, great Elizabeth Rowan, taught me that important things lie beyond technical proficiency. (Not that I ever really got that proficient.)
And where would I be without most of Montana’s Fab Four, from the People Tree to the Rocky Road Shows to the ML&BC. Rusty, who inspired and taught me so many things in The Rocky Road Scholar days. Fitz, the practical one who educated me in the tenets of professionalism. Tim, who listened and showed me that you can chose how you live your life.
And then there’s the fannish world. Bob Aspirin, Cynthia and Dr. Jane, Leslie Fish, Frank Hayes, Mirendel & Baldwin, Meg Davis, and Heather Rose Jones would probably be the most influential folks.
Of course, I’ve had thousands of other influences along the way. All have helped to make me the person I am today. So to all of you I’ve met along the way, in person or through your works, thank you for all you’ve taught me. I’ll try to pass it along as I go my merry way.
Not a Bard 