Peter Yarrow, a pivotal figure in American folk music and a founding member of the renowned trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on January 7, 2025, at his home in New York City. He was 86. According to Rolling Stone, the cause was bladder cancer, a battle he had been fighting since 2021.
Born on May 31, 1938, in New York City to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Yarrow’s early life was steeped in cultural and musical influences. He attended the High School of Music & Art and later graduated from Cornell University in 1959. Immersing himself in the burgeoning Greenwich Village folk scene, Yarrow’s musical journey led to the formation of Peter, Paul and Mary in 1961, alongside Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers.
The trio quickly rose to prominence, becoming a voice for the 1960s folk revival. Their harmonious renditions of songs like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” became anthems of the civil rights and anti-war movements. Yarrow co-wrote “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” a whimsical tune that captured the hearts of listeners worldwide.
Beyond their musical achievements, Peter, Paul and Mary were deeply involved in social activism. They performed at the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, underscoring their commitment to civil rights.
In 1970, Yarrow faced legal challenges when he was convicted of taking “improper liberties” with a 14-year-old girl, resulting in a three-month prison sentence. He was later pardoned by President Jimmy Carter in 1981, as reported by Pitchfork.
After disbanding in 1970, the trio reunited in 1978, continuing to tour and produce music until Mary Travers’ passing in 2009. Yarrow remained active in music and advocacy, founding Operation Respect, an organization aimed at promoting safe and respectful environments for children.
Yarrow’s battle with bladder cancer was marked by resilience. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and surgery, he continued to inspire through his music and public appearances. His children, Christopher and Bethany, said in a statement published by People in December “He has kept his doctors in awe at his resilience as he has continued to perform and live life in his own generous and cause-driven way. It has been a long road and he has been a strong dragon, but right now he is very weak and, at 86, his dragon days are numbered.”
Peter Yarrow’s contributions to music and social activism have left an indelible mark on American culture. His songs continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of music to inspire change and foster unity.
