A message from Tom Whalley, Mo Ostin, Joe Smith and David Altschul about Mary Travers (for more information on her, click here):

As I’m sure you know, Mary Travers, a member of one of the most successful folk trios of our time, Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away yesterday after a long fight with Leukemia. For more than 50 years, Peter, Paul and Mary has been a part of the Warner family, producing an impressive catalog of memorable songs that entertained countless numbers of fans around the world and left an indelible mark on the industry and on global pop culture.

Mary was not only a musical icon, but a model of sophistication and social awareness who quickly became one of the most inspiring figures of her generation. Outspoken about protecting the rights of others in the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s, Mary’s passion for justice found musical expression in songs that touched all of our lives and continue to inspire today, including the 1960s anthems "If I Had A Hammer," "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" and Bob Dylan’s "Blowin’ In The Wind," as well as the beloved "Puff the Magic Dragon."

Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Mary’s family and her former bandmates, Noel and Peter.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a contribution to the Mary Travers Health Care Fund at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT. You can find more information and an address for the hospital at www.danburyhospital.org/devfund.

Tom Whalley,
Chairman and CEO

When Mary Travers and her two band members Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey signed with Warner Bros. Records, the young label was struggling to survive. Peter, Paul and Mary changed that. With their first album, Peter, Paul and Mary, they helped turn Warner Bros. Records into a credible label, a profitable business and a home for some of the most creative musical talents in the industry. Mary, of course, was an integral part of their success. She was an influential pop culture figure who helped define the 'look and sound' of the group and had a deep and lasting influence on many female artists who followed her. She was also a leading inspiration to a generation for her role as an activist who spoke out forcefully on issues that changed our society, including civil rights, the Vietnam War and the rights of women.

Our hearts go out to her family, Peter and Noel.

Mo Ostin,
Chairman Emeritus

When we signed Peter, Paul And Mary in the early '60s, we knew they had great taste in material and a distinctive sound, but the clincher was the visual impact of this gorgeous blond woman with these two bearded guys. The woman of course was Mary Travers and her talent was huge. The three argued a lot but, when the music started, they were very much together and Mary was the difference maker. Super bright, super talented, and a pleasure to know and work with.

Joe Smith, Former President of Warner Bros. Records

The influence that Mary Travers had upon American society, as well as on my own political and social consciousness, is immeasurable. Her voice and spirit always was and will continue to be vital and active in the struggle for peace and economic and social justice. Warner Bros. Records was a company that Mary (along with Peter & Noel) helped to build. Their success during a critical and tenuous period in the company's early history truly helped Warner Bros. Records survive. Mary, you were one of the greats, and you will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

David Altschul, Former Vice Chairman and General Counsel, Warner Bros. Records