We Never Knew Just What it Was ... The Story of the Chad Mitchell Trio

Of all the groups to emerge during the folk era of the 1960's, The Chad Mitchell Trio was unequivocally the best. Their complex harmonies, sense of comedic timing and stage presence were unique to the folk movement. They didn't enjoy the commercial success of some other groups because their material made political and social statements that radio and television refused to air. They were wildly popular, though, on college campuses through America during this turbulent time and fostered political and social awareness among thousands of young men and women as they faced the tumultuous era ahead.As Mike, Chad and Joe Frazier raced along a frantic treadmill of rehearsal, recording sessions, nightclub performances and concerts, Mike and Chad began to realize the demand for musical excellence was they only thing they had in common. Their personalities were and remain polar opposites.When Chad left The Trio in 1965, to be replaced by John Denver, neither Mike nor Chad mourned the parting. Two years later, Joe's demons caught up to him, forcing his dismissal.When folk reunions became popular in the 80's, fans and folk historians agreed that The Chad Mitchell Trio was the one group that would never take the stage again. Their schism was just too great.They hadn't spoken in twenty years.Then came a call. I will if he will.Their mentor and music director Milt Okun worried the were making a mistake. They couldn't possibly be as good as their fans remembered.They were.They kept their day jobs, and their distance. But once again, they had the music.As their friend Tom Paxton noted, "Sometimes the only thing people have in common is musical talent. But if they have that one thing, they'd be fools not to use it. Read more