Peter Yarrow, Folk Legend of Peter, Paul and Mary, Dies at 86: A Legacy of Music and Activism

Folk Music Icon Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary Dies at 86

Peter Yarrow, a founding member of the influential folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86. The acclaimed musician, known for his contributions to civil rights and anti-war movements through music, died from complications related to bladder cancer.

Yarrow, who co-wrote the beloved classic “Puff the Magic Dragon,” was a key figure in the 1960s folk music scene. Peter, Paul and Mary achieved remarkable success during this era, with six Billboard Top 10 singles and two No. 1 albums. The group’s accolades include five Grammy Awards, and they played a crucial role in popularizing Bob Dylan’s music.

The trio’s impact extended beyond music, as they performed at the historic 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Yarrow was also present at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where he encouraged Bob Dylan to return to the stage after his controversial electric set.

Although Peter, Paul and Mary disbanded in 1970, they reunited in 1978 for an anti-nuclear-power concert and continued to perform together until Mary Travers’ death in 2009.

Yarrow’s career was not without controversy. In 1970, he pleaded guilty to taking indecent liberties with a minor, for which he later received a pardon from President Jimmy Carter in 1981. Yarrow expressed deep regret for his actions and continued to support movements for equal rights throughout his life.

Born in New York in 1938, Yarrow grew up in a family that valued art and scholarship. He transitioned from violin to guitar and was influenced by folk legends like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. The formation of Peter, Paul and Mary came about when Yarrow met Albert Grossman, who was assembling a folk trio. Yarrow suggested Noel Stookey, who knew Mary Travers, and their harmonious blend led to immediate success.

The trio’s music often addressed themes of war and injustice, with songs like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” becoming anthems of their time. “Puff the Magic Dragon” became a symbol of lost childhood innocence, despite persistent rumors of drug references.

Yarrow continued to write songs throughout his career, including the hit “Torn Between Two Lovers” and various civil rights anthems. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth McCarthy, whom he remarried in 2022, as well as his daughter, son, and granddaughter.