Joni Mitchell and Mary Travers on the Mama Cass TV special from 1969





Joni Mitchell and Mary Travers appear on The Mama Cass Television Show recorded on Jan. 18, 1969. This was a pilot for a weekly series. It was produced by Chuck Barris of Gong Show fame.

Joni and Mama Cass radiate the last glow of the flower child era. Both will move on in different ways. Travers does Laura Nyro’s “And When I Die,” which Nyro sold to Traver’s group Peter, Paul and Mary for $5000. As much as I appreciate Travers as a vocalist, her folky take on the song just can’t touch the gospel feel of Nyro’s version.

Joni Mitchell: ‘Both Sides Now”

Mary Travers: “And When I Die”

Cass, Joni and Mary: “I Shall Be Released”





Laura Nyro at the age 18 recorded this 1966 demo of “And When I Die.” Stunning.





Previously on Dangerous Minds: Joni Mitchell, Mary Travers and Mama Cass harmonizing together in 1969.