Mary Travers was an American singer-songwriter, best known as one-third of the folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary. With a vocal style that blended smooth, emotive tones with political activism, she played a significant role in popularizing folk music in the 1960s. Travers' contributions, along with those of bandmates Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey, include notable hits such as "If I Had a Hammer" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane". Her influence extends beyond music, as her work often intersected with social justice movements, making her a pivotal figure in the protest music of the era.