The trio rushes onstage, hand in hand. "We always came onstage this way, sometimes running right through the audience," the trio says.

The trio rushes onstage, hand in hand. "We always came onstage this way, sometimes running right through the audience," the trio says.

In the 1960s, the group Peter, Paul and Mary brought folk music out of the coffeehouses and onto the airwaves. With their seamless three-part harmonies, they achieved the commercial success that paved the way for performers like Bob Dylan and John Denver. Their political lyrics struck a chord with the baby boom generation, as they gave voice to the struggle for civil rights, the women’s movement and efforts to end the war in Vietnam. They played together as a trio for nearly five decades, until the death of Mary Travers in 2009. A new book chronicles their time together in a series of photographs and written reflections. “Peter, Paul and Mary: 50 Years in Music and Life.”

Guests

  • Peter Yarrow Musician and member of the group Peter, Paul and Mary
  • Noel Paul Stookey Musician and member of the group Peter, Paul and Mary

Featured Video: If I Had A Hammer

“If I Had A Hammer (The Hammer Song)” was one of the biggest hist from 1962’s “Peter Paul and Mary,” written by Pete Seeger.

Featured Video: Blowin' In The Wind

“Blowin’ in the Wind,” from 1963’s “In the Wind,” was written by Bob Dylan. At the time, Dylan’s just-released album only saw moderate success. But once the Peter, Paul and Mary version became a hit, it pushed Dylan’s album up the chart.

Read A Featured Excerpt

Excerpted with permission from “Peter Paul and Mary: 50 Years in Music and Life.” All Rights Reserved.

Preface: 50 Years In Music And Life

Video: Behind The Scenes With Peter And Paul

Video: Behind The Scenes With Peter And Paul Of Peter, Paul And Mary - The Diane Rehm Show

Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey joined us Nov. 5 via Skype from New York. While they couldn't be in studio, Diane and the duo shared some special moments we captured on video.

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