Noel Paul Stookey

Noel Paul Stookey is a renowned American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the Paul of the iconic folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary. With a career spanning over six decades, Stookey has collaborated with numerous notable artists, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger. His music has been influenced by the likes of Woody Guthrie, The Weavers, and The Kingston Trio. Stookey's work has also been associated with the American folk music revival of the 1960s, alongside other prominent figures such as Judy Collins and Arlo Guthrie.

● Early Life and Career

Noel Paul Stookey was born on December 30, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in a family of Methodist faith. He began his music career in the 1950s, performing in various coffeehouses and folk clubs in the United States, including the famous Gerde's Folk City in New York City. During this period, he was exposed to the music of Lead Belly, Josh White, and Odetta Holmes, which would later influence his own style. Stookey's early career was also shaped by his involvement with the New York City-based folk music scene, where he met and performed with other emerging artists, such as Dave Van Ronk and Tom Paxton.

● Music Career

As a member of Peter, Paul and Mary, Stookey achieved immense success, with hits like If I Had a Hammer, Blowin' in the Wind, and Leaving on a Jet Plane. The trio's music was heavily influenced by the folk rock movement, which also included bands like The Byrds and Simon & Garfunkel. Stookey's distinctive vocals and guitar playing were an integral part of the group's sound, which was characterized by their harmonious blend of folk, rock, and pop music. The trio's music was also featured in various film soundtracks, including The Graduate and Easy Rider. In addition to his work with Peter, Paul and Mary, Stookey has released several solo albums, including Paul and... and One Night in Spot, which have been well-received by critics and fans alike, including those associated with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Grammy Awards.

● Activism and Philanthropy

Throughout his career, Stookey has been an outspoken advocate for social justice and human rights, often using his music as a platform to raise awareness about important issues. He has been involved with various organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Organization for Women, and has performed at numerous benefit concerts, such as the We Are the World project and the Live Aid concert. Stookey's activism has also been influenced by his involvement with the anti-war movement of the 1960s, which included events like the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam. His philanthropic efforts have been recognized by organizations such as the United Nations and the American Red Cross.

● Personal Life

Stookey has been married to his wife, Elizabeth Stookey, since 1963, and they have three children together. He currently resides in Blue Hill, Maine, where he is involved in various local community projects, including the Blue Hill Fair and the Penobscot Bay conservation efforts. Stookey's personal life has also been influenced by his interests in sailing and aviation, and he has been a licensed pilot since the 1970s. His love of music has been passed down to his children, who have also been involved in the music industry, including his daughter, Liz Stookey Sunde, who is a singer-songwriter in her own right, and has performed at venues like the Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center.

● Discography

Stookey's discography includes numerous albums with Peter, Paul and Mary, as well as several solo releases, such as Paul and... and One Night in Spot. His music has been released on various labels, including Warner Bros. Records and Columbia Records, and has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards and American Music Awards. Stookey's discography also includes collaborations with other notable artists, such as John Denver and Kenny Loggins, and has been featured in various film soundtracks, including The Graduate and Easy Rider. His music has been praised by critics and fans alike, including those associated with the Rolling Stone magazine and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Category:American folk singers