A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Episode 109: “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
Dec 23, 2020
This podcast episode delves into the history of folk music and its transformation into a lucrative industry, the creation of Peter, Paul, and Mary by Albert Grossman, Dylan's London trip and album issues, the recording process of Dylan's second album, and the significance of 'Blowin' in the Wind' and Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech in the civil rights movement.
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Folk's Market Gap
- Rock and roll was becoming teen music, creating a need for music appealing to older audiences who had outgrown it but didn't embrace their parents' music.
- Folk music filled that market gap, offering a more refined sound compared to rock and roll.
Peter, Paul and Mary's Formation
- Grossman manufactured Peter, Paul and Mary, seeking a polished image with folk authenticity and comedic elements.
- He selected Mary Travers for her shyness, Pete Yarrow for folk credibility, and Noel "Paul" Stookey for comedy.
Grossman's Business Practices
- Grossman's business acumen, though beneficial for his artists' earnings, involved taking large cuts of their profits.
- He prioritized his own financial gain, often taking up to 50% of their earnings.