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340 entries.
My 1st concert ever was PPM in winter 1968-69, they played at the Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh, PA. The impression they made on me hasn’t faded over the years, they were awesome, the music beautiful. I am so thankful I had that experience, even to this day I still have memories of the event. I get tears when I hear their music, I hope they realized the impact they had on music and youth. Some 30+ years later I visited a bar in a nearly college town and in the far back bar a 3 piece group was performing, doing the music of the 60’s, all these young college students knew the words of every PPM song. I stood there transfixed, thinking that somehow I had been time warped back. It was moving.
I used to sing Puff the Magic Dragon to my oldest son all the time. Suddenly he decided it was too sad. So, we made up a following end.
It goes like this: "Then Little Jackie Paper had a little boy, and told him all about this friend that had brought him so much joy!
Then all of a sudden Puff had a new friend"
"And Puff the Magic Dragon, went out to play again!' He loved that song, so we just added that one part so that it would be a happier ending. I just thought you may find that interesting. It is still one of his favorite songs at 36. Thanks for all the music.
I'm wondering if you still do concerts. I have loved PP&M since the mid 60s. I attended a few concerts including one with you and Peter after Mary passed away. The blend of your 3 voices was touching to my soul, as well as your songs.
Thank you for giving of yourselves to so many for so long--you've been a gift in my life.
Spoke with a friend who had just experienced the loss in a tragic manner of someone he had apparently mentored. The situation reminded me of one of the situations in the song ‘Turn It Over’, which was shared with him. Just wanted to pass along how apt and encouraging some of the songs may be in challenging times.
Hey, hey Noel. I'm a fan. My fandom goes all the way back to the early sixties. So, the three of you (P P and M}, became one of the primary influences in my life. Jane Goodall, Tich Nhat Hanh, Loyd Kahn, Franklin and Eleanor and yeah, Dylan, they are also part of those influential sources. You all just sang your songs and led me/us to a state of mind and culture that is, what the Dali Llama describes as Kindness, Clarity and Insight. We're all getting along in age. You got me by 10 years, still, I was listening to your music yesterday and wondered if It was possible to thank you. So...Thank you. These are some bad times and you are still active. I subscribed to your Substack posts. look forward to your book.
PS
Oh yeah, I saw you with a friend in a Chinese restaurant off of canal street a long while ago and wanted to say hello but I let you be.
On June 16, 1973, Susan, my bride-to-be, walked down the aisle at our wedding to your "Wedding Song". It was sung by my cousin, a high school student, and his girlfriend (now his wife of almost 50 years). After more than 52 years, Susan and I are still married. We are grateful to you for enriching our lives with your inspired work.
Love the FB video "The Compassionate Heart". Hoping this is recorded and available through your website . We all need a message to inspire our better nature - if we will only share our love instead of feasting on fear.
Thank You for being one of the best singing groups in the World. I believe the first song I heard from your group is Puff The Magic Dragon. My brother sang your song when we were little. He is now the main singer in his own group. So thank you for helping my Brother.
May God Bless You & Your Family.
Please contact us if your aloud to ?
Thank You
William & LaWanna
Hi Noel,
Your concert at the Barns at Wolf Trap tonight was truly exceptional. It was wonderful to see you and hear your songs again. Thank you for continuing to share your music with us.
Hi Paul,
As always, thanks for all that you do and for truly making our world a better place.
I've never spoken of this before, perhaps afraid of being mocked, but I need you to know.
A number of years ago I saw you perform at the Trenton Christian School. After the concert I wanted to meet you but was too shy to do so. However, when I observed you gathering all of your 'stuff' outside of a classroom I approached you and asked if I could assist in bringing all of your materials to your car. While walking to your car, you asked my name, thanked me for helping, and we shared some small talk. Again, this will sound strange, but given your religious orientation, perhaps you can make some sense of this. For the following 48 hours I felt what best could be described as an aura, some sort of elevated spirit that I had never felt before, or felt since. All from just meeting and talking with you. I am currently 76 years of age, a retired Special Education Teacher and someone who has briefly met some other figures in the public realm, with equal fame and recognition. This elevated spirit within me has never repeated itself, but I remember it distinctly. I'm aware of how strange this must seem, but once again, I wish to thank you for that moment in the parking lot, that spirit that you exuded for my person, and just for whom you are. I have seen you in concert a number of times since that time, most recently at the Grand Theater, in Ellsworth, and needless to say, you have retained the 'magic' that make you 'you'. Thanks for reading this, and best wishes and wonderful memories for all the days ahead.
Respectfully,
Ken Fogelman
Dear Noel, I have been singing and humming the song "Sunday morning very bright" for over 50 years. last week I decided to finally find the right words so looked it up, and there you were, still singing and performing concerts. I marvel and give thanks for you. "All I had time to write was I believe in You" Wonderful!!! thank you :) Naomi
You were great at "Wasn't That a Time: The Boston Folk Revival" on 9/27. Thanks for signing the 50 years of P,P & M book for my wife. I forgot to mention that our first date was a P,P, & M concert 35 years ago.
Thanks also for being such an inspiration in these challenging times.
I was at the Symposium in Cambridge today. I really enjoyed your entertaining and uplifting set. I loved the piece you played so beautifully on the Manulenjo. I would love to be able to re-read the poetic essay you read toward the end. Would you be able to share the title and name of the author? Thank you for being an important part of a rejuvenating day.
Sara Anne From Baltimore MD, Peter, Paul and Mary was one of my favorite groups growing up and my favorite song was- Puff the Magic Dragon and Leaving On a Jet Plane, and I would love an autographed picture, if that is something that you would be willing to do?
Peter, Paul and Mary was and is one of my favorite groups. I credit learning to harmonize by listening to your music. Your music and words are gifts to us and since I see you still perform, I will look for one of the places that I could get to. I just want to say I think you're great and thank you for all your music then and now. We need more people like you now more than ever.
Kind regards, Jean
Hi Noel hope all is well with you and family.
As I continue to listen to Fazz & Just Causes I am amazed how the words and meanings that sneak in, which puts an entire new awareness to the songs, Thank you for opening some new windows to my heart Blessings keep safe.
Bless you, Paul. I have only written two "fan letters" in my life. One was to you, about 40 years ago, the other was to Stephen Sondheim. He sent a gracious reply, you were kind enough to send me a delightful Christmas card the following Christmas. I sent you a tape with a song I'd written that I offered to you freely about Abraham. It was not a bad song . . . and I'd still love to hear you sing or record it (I'll resend, if you like). But that is no big matter. I am grateful for who you have been throughout these years, and how important you remain to so many of us. Like you, I was a Christian who evolved.
With gratitude and best wishes for you and yours.
Ted
I recently saw an online quiz with the question: What is the most beautiful song ever written? I knew the answer immediately: Tender Hands. That song still brings tears to my eyes after all of these years. Thank you for that.
We loved the performance with Mike Burd at The Grand this past Saturday! Betty has this link in her email, and Mike probably sent it to you too, but (redundantly) below is a link to the images I shot from seat J6 that I'm quite happy with, and hope you enjoy. View on a large screen, not a phone. I might even put a dye sub print in your mailbox (if there is one on Falls Bridge).
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1yGG34bAGuqgMg
Dear Noel Paul, my best friend was Russell Wiggens granddaughter, Carol Thomssen Falkowski. I shared this with you at your 50th anniversary celebration with Peter at Skylight Bookstore and the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles in 2014. Carol cherished the book you signed for her. I am determined to start a social media movement of elders & the young singing protest songs that Peter, Paul and Mary & others sang to move hearts and minds. May we ignite the hearts and activism of people. I'll keep you posted! In gratitude and deep respect may you and family be well...Polli G.
