The music world lost a mighty voice.  Mary Travers died of cancer at the age of 72.  She was the female component of the folk trio Peter Paul and Mary, a group who helped provide the soundtrack to Vietnam war protests and the civil rights movements in the 1960’s.  The singing group’s brand of political activism took a kinder, gentler form — and was far more effective — than the disorganized hate-speak and anger antics of many artists on stage today.

National Mall, Washington, D.C. August 1963 Peter, Paul and Mary sing the Bob Dylan song “Blowin’ in the Wind” at the civil rights March on Washington. The lyrics say, “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind,” and on this day the wind carried Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic speech to the ears of the entire nation.  (One of over 200 photos in “Hollywood on the Potomac“)

Never shouty, always melodic, the group fueled crowds by inspiring a peaceful form of activism by the throngs that assembled during many of their most memorable appearances on the National Mall and elsewhere.  Many of Peter, Paul and Mary’s biggest hits were penned by the granddaddy of folk, Bob Dylan, such as “Blowin in the Wind,” and “The Times They Are a Changin.”  Travers had a beautiful, harmonious voice, but she made an impact with her appearance as well — tall, blond and striking on stage when flanked by guitarists Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow. (more…)

Many thanks to all for making my new book “Hollywood on the Potomac” a success.  In the first week, it is already hitting Non-Fiction Bestseller lists in bookstores.  It’s available now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Borders and many major independents in Los Angeles and Hollywood.  It features over 200 photos and stories that detail the fascination between Hollywood stars and Washington power-players.

Here’s an excerpt:

Chapter Five, Personalities, Politics and Powerbrokers

Somehow late night talk shows became a logical first step for politicians to reach voters. Somehow rock stars became a political voice of the disenfranchised. Somewhere along the way, American politics and pop culture personalities began to blend. (more…)

So many big name stars, singers and sports legends have visited Washington over the years, the city is often referred to as “Hollywood on the Potomac.”  So, that’s the title of my new book (available now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Borders) featuring over 200 photographs and stories that detail the fascination between Hollywood stars and Washington power-players — from Presidents Truman through Obama. 

Here’s an excerpt: (more…)