Peter Yarrow, the beloved singer-songwriter known for his role as one-third of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86. His death on Tuesday was confirmed by publicist Ken Sunshine, who noted Yarrow had been battling bladder cancer for four years.
Yarrow, renowned for his tender voice and impassioned performances, co-wrote their timeless classic "Puff, the Magic Dragon," which remains one of the group's most recognized songs. His daughter, Bethany Yarrow, poignantly remarked, "Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life. The world knows Peter Yarrow the iconic folk activist, but the human being behind the legend is every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest."
Yarrow, along with Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, rose to fame during the 1960s, creating music intertwined with the era's cultural shifts. Their harmonies captivated millions as they sang for civil rights, against war, and championed progressive causes. Over their remarkable career, they released six Billboard Top 10 singles, two No. 1 albums, and garnered five Grammy Awards, helping to lead the folk music renaissance of the time.
Significantly, the trio performed at historic events, including the 1963 March on Washington, where they delivered their rendition of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his groundbreaking "I Have a Dream" speech. Their impact was felt not only through their music but also through their activism, as they lent their platform to pressing societal issues.
Born on May 31, 1938, Yarrow was raised in New York City, where his family emphasized the importance of art and education. He initially took up the violin before embracing the guitar. After graduating from Cornell University, where he discovered his passion for folk music, Yarrow moved back to New York and became part of the Greenwich Village music scene, often performing alongside legends such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
Albert Grossman, the influential impresario of the time, helped Yarrow form the trio as he sought to create competition for the popular Kingston Trio, which was climbing the music charts. The combination of Yarrow's engaging personality, Travers's strong contralto, and Stookey's rich baritone proved to be a winning formula. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1962, reached the top of the Billboard charts, breaking new ground for folk music.
Yarrow's songwriting abilities shone through not only in his original works but also with his renditions of others' songs, including Pete Seeger's "If I Had a Hammer" and John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Following the group's initial split in 1970, Yarrow experienced personal and professional challenges, including legal troubles stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor, for which he served three months in prison.
Although Yarrow eventually received a pardon from President Jimmy Carter, this aspect of his life looms large alongside his artistic achievements. Over the years, Yarrow has expressed remorse for his past actions and has openly supported movements demanding equal rights and ending abuses, acknowledging the pain he had caused.
Following the death of Mary Travers in 2009, Yarrow continued to perform alongside Stookey, honoring their shared legacy and commitment to folk music. He remained active within the artistic community, contributing to causes such as anti-bullying through his organization, Operation Respect.
Stookey, the last surviving member of the trio, reflected on their enduring bond, noting, "Being an only child, growing up without siblings may have afforded me the full attention of my parents, but with the formation of Peter, Paul and Mary, I suddenly had a brother named Peter Yarrow." Stookey described Yarrow as both "creative and irrepressible" and lamented the void left by his passing.
Peter Yarrow's death signifies the end of an era for folk music enthusiasts and all those whose lives were touched by his activism and artistry. His contributions to music, civil rights, and social justice will continue to resonate, reflecting the duality of his legacy—the joyful harmonies he created and the challenges he faced.
A memorial service is yet to be announced, and contributions are requested for his charitable endeavors per Yarrow's family's wishes. While he is survived by his children and granddaughter, the impact of his music and message remains etched deeply within the annals of American cultural history.