Peter Yarrow of folk-music trio Peter, Paul and Mary dies at 86
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Singer-songwriter Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul and Mary at a memorial tribute concert for folk icon and civil rights activist Pete Seeger at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park in New York, Sunday, July 20, 2014. (AP Photo / Kathy Willens)
Peter Yarrow, a key member of the iconic folk music trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 86. Known for his contributions to the folk music renaissance of the 1960s, Yarrow’s death marks the end of an era for a group that captivated audiences with its harmonious blend of social activism and catchy tunes. He died in New York after battling bladder cancer for four years.
Yarrow, along with his bandmates Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, helped shape the American folk music scene, producing a series of timeless hits. They used their music as a platform to champion civil rights, oppose war, and promote social justice. The trio’s most memorable songs, including “Puff the Magic Dragon” and Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” still resonate with generations today.
Yarrow’s daughter, Bethany, shared an emotional tribute to her father, describing him as a deeply creative and compassionate individual. “Our fearless dragon is tired,” she said, acknowledging the legendary status of his musical contributions. “But the human being behind the legend is every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest.”
Born on May 31, 1938, in New York, Peter Yarrow was raised in an upper-middle-class family that valued art and education. He initially pursued a degree in psychology at Cornell University, but it was during his time there that he found his true calling in folk music. Yarrow worked as a teaching assistant in American folklore, leading students in song and discovering the powerful emotional impact music could have on an audience. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in folk music, setting him on the path that would eventually lead to his fame with Peter, Paul, and Mary.
After moving back to New York in the late 1950s, Yarrow met impresario Albert Grossman, who was looking to form a folk group that could rival the popular Kingston Trio. Grossman’s vision for the group included a female member and someone with a good sense of humor to engage the audience. Yarrow’s suggestion of comedian Noel Stookey and his eventual recruitment of Mary Travers—who had performed with Pete Seeger—led to the formation of the trio.
Peter, Paul, and Mary’s breakthrough came with their self-titled debut album, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1962. Over the next several years, they became a dominant force in the music world, releasing several successful albums and singles. Songs like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” showcased their commitment to social change, while “Puff the Magic Dragon,” written by Yarrow, became an enduring anthem of childhood nostalgia.
The trio’s performance of “Blowin’ in the Wind” at the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, remains one of the defining moments in their career. Their music was integral to the cultural and political movements of the time, particularly the civil rights movement and the push for peace.
After achieving widespread success in the 1960s, Peter, Paul, and Mary took a hiatus in 1970 to pursue solo careers. Yarrow, in particular, found success as a songwriter and continued to create songs with social themes, including the civil rights anthem “No Easy Walk to Freedom.”
In 1976, Yarrow co-wrote the hit song “Torn Between Two Lovers” for Mary MacGregor. He was nominated for an Emmy in 1979 for his work on the animated film adaptation of “Puff the Magic Dragon.” His music continued to reflect his activism, with songs like “Light One Candle,” which called for peace in Lebanon.
However, Yarrow’s life was not without controversy. In 1970, he was convicted of taking indecent liberties with a 14-year-old girl, an incident that led to his brief imprisonment. He later expressed deep regret and publicly apologized for his actions, acknowledging the harm he had caused. His apology was accepted by many, but it remained a painful chapter in his legacy.
Despite personal challenges, Yarrow continued to perform and write music. In his later years, he remained active in both music and activism, supporting causes like LGBTQ+ rights and environmentalism.
Peter Yarrow is survived by his wife, Marybeth, two children, and his granddaughter. His daughter Bethany said it best: “Our fearless dragon has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life,” reflecting the lasting impact of his music and activism. Peter Yarrow’s legacy will live on through the timeless music of Peter, Paul, and Mary, and the values of peace, justice, and equality that defined his life and work.
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