Peter Yarrow, a founding member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86 at his home in New York City. His death was announced by publicist Ken Sunshine, following a battle with bladder cancer. Yarrow was not only a celebrated musician but also an avid anti-Vietnam War activist.
Yarrow is best known for his contributions to the group’s classics such as “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “The Great Mandala,” and “Day Is Done,” the latter of which he wrote or co-wrote entirely. “Puff the Magic Dragon,” written in 1963, remains a significant cultural touchstone, although its lyrics have frequently sparked debates about hidden meanings, which Yarrow consistently denied.
Born on May 31, 1938, in Manhattan, Yarrow began his music career in the late 1950s at Cornell University. He later emerged in the Greenwich Village folk scene and gained prominence after performing at the Newport Folk Festival. Yarrow formed Peter, Paul and Mary with Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, and they quickly became household names after releasing their debut single “Lemon Tree” in 1962, which marked the start of their successful career.
The trio achieved chart success with songs such as John Denver’s “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane” and multiple Bob Dylan covers, including “Blowin’ in the Wind.” They garnered several Grammy Awards for their work and became known for their strong political activism by participating in major events like Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington.
Despite their success, Yarrow’s life included significant controversies, including a conviction for sexual misconduct in the late 1970s. He later sought forgiveness for this incident and received a presidential pardon in 1981. Throughout his life, Yarrow remained committed to various humanitarian causes, notably founding Operation Respect to address bullying in schools.
Yarrow’s legacy extends beyond his music, with a career that not only entertained but also inspired political and social change. His passing leaves Paul Stookey as the last surviving member of the trio.