Folk music legend Peter Yarrow, renowned for his role in the iconic group Peter, Paul, and Mary, has passed away in New York at the age of 86, Breitbart reported.
Yarrow, who dedicated his life to using music as a catalyst for social change, succumbed to bladder cancer after a four-year battle.
The announcement was made by his publicist, Ken Sunshine, who confirmed his passing on a Tuesday, marking the end of an era for the folk music community and the many fans who cherished his work.
Born on May 31, 1938, in New York, Peter Yarrow was raised in a family with a profound appreciation for art and scholarship. His journey into the world of music began in earnest at Cornell University, where he earned a degree in psychology in 1959. It was during his time as a teaching assistant in American folklore that he discovered the transformative power of folk music.
Yarrow's collaboration with impresario Albert Grossman led to the creation of Peter, Paul and Mary, alongside Noel Stookey and Mary Travers. Their debut album, released in 1962, quickly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard chart, signaling the arrival of a new force in the music industry.
The trio's success was marked by six Billboard Top 10 singles and two No. 1 albums, with their illustrious career yielding five Grammy Awards. Among their most cherished hits was "Puff the Magic Dragon," co-written by Yarrow, a song that has reached audiences across generations.
Peter, Paul, and Mary played a pivotal role in popularizing Bob Dylan's compositions, notably "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and "Blowin' in the Wind." Their impactful rendition of the latter was famously performed at the 1963 March on Washington, an event etched in history alongside Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Yarrow's contributions extended beyond music; he wielded his art in service of civil rights and anti-war movements. He wrote and performed songs that championed social justice causes, cementing his status as a folk activist with heartfelt, enduring messages.
His daughter Bethany reflected on his legacy, saying, "Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life." She remembered him not just as the "iconic folk activist" known to the world, but also as a man characterized by generosity, creativity, passion, playfulness, and wisdom, all captured in the essence of his lyrics.
After initially disbanding for eight years to focus on solo careers, the group reunited in 1978. They remained active until the passing of Mary Travers in 2009, continuing to enchant audiences with their timeless harmonies and evocative performances.
Yarrow's personal journey was driven by a deep passion for music and its potential to connect people. As he once reflected on his time at Cornell, "I saw these young people... opening their hearts up and singing with an emotionality and a concern through this vehicle called folk music."
Beyond his professional achievements, Yarrow's personal life was marked by profound dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife Marybeth, daughter Bethany, son Christopher, and granddaughter Valentina, who continue to honor his memory.
In recounting the formation of Peter, Paul, and Mary, Yarrow shared an amusing story of their first rehearsal: "We mentioned a bunch of folk songs... and wound up singing 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.' And it was immediately great, was just as clear as a bell."
Yarrow's motivations were both practical and deeply passionate. Reflecting on his decision to pursue music, he candidly remarked to record company executive Joe Smith, "I did it for the money because I wanted to wash dishes less and play guitar more." But his music, as was evident throughout his career, became a powerful medium for addressing societal issues and touching hearts worldwide.
