A group like The Chad Mitchell Trio comes along only once in a lifetime… a powerful message, a rare blend of incredible voices and a stage presence that is exciting and approaches musical perfection. Chad Mitchell, Joe Frazier and Mike Kobluk set a standard that has never been equaled.
During the 1960’s, The Chad Mitchell Trio was much more than a folk group. In their early twenties, three talented, clean cut and energetic young men burst upon the musical scene with a unique sound and style. But it was their social consciousness that set them apart. They were not afraid to speak their minds and sing from their hearts.
Certainly, they could have opted to play it safe and project a traditional folk song repertoire. But, it was never their way. Their beliefs and their honesty took precedence. Their satirical interpretations of our social agenda and the world in which we live has been reflected throughout their existence.
Unfortunately, The John Birch Society, Twelve Days of Christmas, Barry’s Boys, Which Hat Shall I Wear, and so many other of their songs of social relevance, did not receive the airplay, wide acclaim and popularity of traditional folk songs. Even with multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall, concerts in every major folk venue, TV appearances on the Bell Telephone Hour, Hootenany, Dinah Shore, Ed Sullivan, Pat Boone, the Bob Newhart Show, the Today and Tonight Shows, and hit songs Lizzie Borden and Tom Paxton’s The Marvelous Toy, The Chad Mitchell Trio never matched the broad appeal of other folk icons, The Kingston Trio and Peter Paul & Mary.
In retrospect, one might say that The Chad Mitchell Trio was unlucky. Through his Business Manager, a relatively unknown by the name of Bob Dylan, brought one of his first songs to the Trio for them to record. And The Chad Mitchell Trio was indeed the group that first recorded Blowin’ in the Wind. Their record company noted that there had never been a hit song with the word “death†in the lyrics and refused to release it. A short time later, Peter Paul & Mary recorded and released Blowin’ in the Wind…and the rest as they say, is history.
In 1987, after more than 20 years apart, the original Chad Mitchell Trio joined with the late John Denver, who replaced Chad in the Trio in 1965, for a reunion concert. To see Chad, Mike and Joe together was a joy. To hear them was much more. They brought the house down, the applause could have gone on forever. A little older, a little more gray and maybe even a little heavier, but the blend and harmony was unmistakable.
True to themselves and true to their fans, The Chad Mitchell Trio are themselves, folk legends. And today, when so many original artists are no longer part of the groups they started, Chad, Mike and Joe continue their “live†performances… intact… just as they’ve done for almost 50 years.
We are still blessed to be able to see, hear and enjoy the original Chad Mitchell Trio… as their beautiful voices and unique sound returns us to our past. To those who follow the Trio, they were the best then, are the best now, and will be the best always.
OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR THE GEORGE BUSH SOCIETY SINGLE
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