Recorded - Spring 1967
Originally released - August 1967
Re-released as a single - October 1969
#1 for week of December 20, 1969.
Peter, Paul & Mary remain one of the most acclaimed and noteworthy folk groups of the 1960's. Formed in 1961, the trio released their self-titled debut album the following year. Throughout their initial nine year career, the trio recorded a mixture of originals, and covers for their albums. Many of these covers such as Pete Seger's "If I Had A Hammer" and "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?", became signature songs for the trio. They were also heavily active in the civil rights movement, most notably performing at the Civil Rights March on August 28, 1963.
In terms of hit singles, Peter, Paul & Mary already had reached #1 several times on the adult contemporary charts, and had two songs peak at #2 on the pop charts. However, it wasn't until 1969, as the trio were on the verge of pursuing solo careers, that they scored a #1 with "Leaving On A Jet Plane". The song was originally written in 1966 by John Denver. Peter, Paul & Mary's originally released it on their 1967 album Album 1700. When the single was re-released over two years later, it shot straight up the charts.
All of the trademark sounds of Peter, Paul & Mary are prominently displayed in "Leaving On A Jet Plane". Just a simple acoustic guitar and stand up bass for instrumentation. It's a pleasant minimalist sound that manages to stand out when placed next to the more heavily produced songs of 1969.
Mary Travers takes the lead vocals with Peter and Paul providing harmonies when appropriate. Unlike most songs reviewed this far with vocal harmonies, the vocals in "Leaving On A Jet Plane" are less pronounced and have a rather ethereal quality to them. They are just the right amount of mellow, and they render the song absolutely timeless.
Although the trio began solo careers in 1970, they reunited many times throughout the decades. Sadly, the death of Mary Travers signaled the end of Peter, Paul & Mary. Although Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey continue to occasionally perform together, they will never be the same without the golden voice of Mary Travers.
Final Verdict - The late 1960's may have been times of non-stop experimentation, but by sticking with what they knew best, Peter, Paul & Mary created a timeless classic that hasn't aged one bit. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" is one of Peter, Paul & Mary's finest songs, and certainly among the finest folk tunes of the 1960's.
Last Up For 1969 - "Someday We'll Be Together" by Diana Ross & The Supremes.
Until Next Time, I'm Rock the magic dragon -
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