Her Light Will Linger On
January 13, 2011 
3 Comments
by Peter Yarrow
Founding member of Peter, Paul, and Mary
So many of us have followed the work and life of Debbie Friedman, and been enriched by her remarkable artistry and her tireless efforts to inspire and be a source of healing amongst us. Now that she is gone, I find myself sharing many thoughts and feelings that recall the time following the passing of Mary Travers — occasioning a huge change in my life, of course, with a mourning process, ongoing. Also, I am thinking of the passing of Odetta, who is many ways was a great role model for me when I was quite young, whose magnificent voice and heart are now stilled. I am thinking of Dave Van Ronk’s passing, another titanic heart and talent, a hugely beloved member of our folk-singing, community-creating, family circle.
There are others, alas, for me perhaps, earliest and most dear, Josh White, who played such an important role in my early awareness of the magic of folk music.
What impresses me the most, at this moment, is how wonderfully we, as a group of singers and artists that are part of the folk tradition, have supported, and continue to support each other. We have not been enmeshed in jealousy battles, financial law suits or public displays of mean-spiritedness, all too common in the world of “show business” today, where the ticket to sustaining a career is so frequently enmeshed in the seamy side of public awareness.
“Why are we like this?” I ask myself. I believe that, as Mary Travers said many times, it is because the music, itself, says to us, “If you want to sing me, you have to live me.” Yes, I believe it is the music that makes this happen; music colored, changed and patina-ed by us when we add our own brief touch. This is the persuasive, common, element we share. We are not a line of artists that encourages the worship of our musical icons. Indeed not! We honor, love, respect and forgive one another for our inevitable pettiness and failures, just as a loving family does for one another.
We are fortunate indeed.
I remember well when Rabbi Elliott Kleinman first introduced me to Debbie, and there are many more fun, funny, and touching memories of the two of us singing together, recalled, now as I write.
A great talent, a great source of inspiration, and a great loss. As with Mary Travers, another great woman of singular conviction and creative passion, Debbie’s gift will continue to inspire us and others for untold generations. Hers was a pure and remarkable life’s journey, a life well lived and a courageous spirit well loved by all of us, we who were touched by her and her music.
So, on this day to think about Debbie Friedman, truly “one of us”, truly one who sang, and lived, the legacy of music that inspired her, as it did all of us, let me be one of many to express my great gratitude for all Debbie gave to us, to the world of those who seek kindness, healing, and loving respect for one another.
She was, as has been Noel and my beloved Mary Travers, an exceptional light in the world, one that will linger to brighten and heal our souls, for many, many generations to come, and perhaps longer.
With great love and respect,
-Peter Yarrow
Peter, Paul & Mary
I have fond memories of you and Debbie Friedman performing at CAJE. It was a magical evening, not only because you are both such wonderful artists, but because you obviously took such delight in each other’s work and in performing together.
I remember when you and my cousin Debbie sang together — it was at an evening honoring you, Bella Abzug and Ben (or maybe it was Jerry) from Ben and Jerry’s. It was at Columbia University. Afterwards, Debbie, Aunt Freda, my mother and I went back to your apartment (I believe Elliot was there, too) and you served us cranberry juice. I’d been all excited that my cousin was singing with Peter Yarrow, and now here I was, in his apartment, drinking cranberry juice that he had poured. It was a memorable night.
A year or so later I was at a pizza place just off the Yale campus waiting to meet my boyfriend (now my husband), David, who had just defended his Ph.D. dissertation. I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me, so I introduced myself. You were with your daughter, and were very gracious.
When David and his friend arrived I introduced them. I was impressed at how comfortable they seemed with you – they weren’t nearly as excited as I was. You congratulated David on his Ph.D. He still tells people, “The first person who congratulated me after my defense was Peter Yarrow.” But at the time, he just thought you were some guy named Peter who happened to be eating pizza in New Haven.
Before you left the restaurant, you came to our table and said goodbye. Again, David and his friend were very laid back. After you walked away, his friend said, “Who was that again?” I said, “Peter Yarrow. You know, from Peter, Paul and Mary?” And the friend’s eyes got really wide and he said, “THAT was Peter?” (I guess I should have pointed that out the first time I introduced them to you – I just figured everyone knew your last name…)
When most people think of Debbie, they think of her opening up a whole new world of Jewish music. To her family, she opened up a whole new world, period. I had experiences and met people I never would have had it not been for her. You, Peter, were part of that. Thank you again for your beautiful music, but also for your graciousness to Debbie and the family who loved and still love her.
I remember when you sang at State Fair Park in Milwaukee with my daughter Liza and a group of other small children, knowing you and Debbie had already done some performing together. And I remember Debby telling me about seeing you and Debbie in New York and then how exciting it was when she and Dave ran into you in New Haven. When I told our mother tonight that I’d just found out you will be in Milwaukee in April, she said I had to come. I don’t know if I will actually get to give you a hug and thank you for these memories of Debbie but it will make me feel close to my family to sit in that theater and hear you sing. Thank you.