Genre

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Vocal

 

Molly Mason is a renowned American musician, known for her exceptional skills as a bass player, singer, and composer. Born on January 31, 1954, in Washington, D.C., Mason grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, a jazz pianist, and her mother, a singer, exposed her to music at a young age, and she began playing the guitar and singing in her early teens. Mason's passion for music led her to pursue a career in the field. She attended the University of Miami, where she studied music theory and composition. After completing her studies, she moved to New York City, where she began performing in various clubs and venues. In 1978, Mason joined the band of legendary folk singer and songwriter, Pete Seeger. She played bass and sang backup vocals for Seeger for over a decade, touring extensively and performing at major festivals and events across the country. During her time with Seeger, Mason also became involved in the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, an organization founded by Seeger to promote environmental awareness and activism. She served as the organization's music director for several years, organizing concerts and events to raise awareness about environmental issues. In addition to her work with Seeger and Clearwater, Mason has collaborated with numerous other musicians and artists throughout her career. She has performed with the likes of Jay Ungar, David Bromberg, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. She has also composed music for film and television, including the soundtrack for the PBS documentary, "The Adirondacks." Mason's talent and contributions to the music industry have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the Folk Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. She has also been inducted into the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame. One of Mason's most notable performances was at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. She was invited to perform with Jay Ungar and his band, the Molly Mason Band, at the opening ceremony of the games. The band played their signature tune, "Ashokan Farewell," which had gained widespread popularity after being featured in the PBS documentary, "The Civil War." The performance was a huge success, and the band received a standing ovation from the audience. Mason's contributions to the music industry extend beyond her performances and compositions. She is also a respected music educator, having taught at numerous workshops and camps throughout the country. She has also authored several instructional books and DVDs on bass playing and music theory. In addition to her music career, Mason is also an avid outdoorswoman and environmental activist. She and her husband, Jay Ungar, own and operate the Ashokan Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmental education and sustainability. The center hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including music workshops, nature hikes, and sustainable living workshops. In conclusion, Molly Mason is a highly accomplished and respected musician, composer, and educator. Her contributions to the music industry and environmental activism have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Her performances with Pete Seeger, Jay Ungar, and the Molly Mason Band have captivated audiences around the world, and her music continues to inspire and entertain people of all ages.

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