Peter Yarrow dies at 86
Legendary folk singer-songwriter Peter Yarrow, best known as one-third of the iconic group Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86. Yarrow, who bravely battled bladder cancer for the past four years, left behind a legacy of timeless music that touched the hearts and minds of millions around the world.
Born on May 31, 1938, in New York, Yarrow was raised in a family that valued art and scholarship. He discovered his passion for folk music while studying American folklore at Cornell University, where he worked as a teaching assistant. It was here that he realized the emotional impact music could have on an audience and decided to pursue a career in folk music.
Yarrow’s musical journey took off when he joined forces with Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers to form Peter, Paul and Mary. The trio quickly rose to fame with their powerful harmonies and socially conscious lyrics. They released multiple Billboard Top 10 singles, won five Grammys, and performed at historic events like the 1963 March on Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr.
Their music, which included classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Puff the Magic Dragon,” captured the spirit of the turbulent 1960s and became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements. Despite a brief hiatus in the 1970s, the trio reunited in 1978 for an anti-nuclear-power concert in Los Angeles and continued to perform together until Travers’ passing in 2009.
Yarrow’s songwriting talents extended beyond his work with Peter, Paul and Mary. He penned hits like “Torn Between Two Lovers” for Mary MacGregor and received an Emmy nomination for the animated film “Puff the Magic Dragon.” He also co-wrote songs like “No Easy Walk to Freedom” and “Light One Candle,” advocating for peace and social justice.
Throughout his career, Yarrow faced challenges, including a legal issue in the early 1970s for which he was later pardoned by President Jimmy Carter. Despite this setback, he remained committed to his music and activism, continuing to inspire audiences with his heartfelt songs and unwavering dedication to social causes.
Yarrow is survived by his daughter Bethany, son Christopher, ex-wife Mary Beth McCarthy, and granddaughter Valentina. His legacy as a pioneering folk artist and passionate advocate for justice and peace will continue to resonate for generations to come. Rest in peace, Peter Yarrow, your music will live on forever.
