Peter Yarrow, a founding member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on January 7th in Manhattan at the age of 86. Before captivating the world with Peter, Paul and Mary, Yarrow’s journey into music began at Cornell University, an institution he credited as a significant source of early inspiration. His time there laid the groundwork for a career that would leave an indelible mark on the landscape of American folk music and social activism.
In 1961, the musical landscape shifted with the formation of Peter, Paul and Mary, uniting Yarrow with Mary Travers and Noel Paul Stookey. The 1960s became synonymous with their harmonious melodies and socially conscious lyrics. Peter, Paul and Mary weren’t just popular; they were chart-toppers. Their discography boasts six songs and five albums that broke into Billboard’s Top 10, with two albums achieving the coveted No. 1 spot. Yarrow’s songwriting prowess was a cornerstone of their success. He either wrote or co-wrote some of their most enduring songs, including the whimsical “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” a song that interestingly began its journey while Yarrow was still a student at Cornell, drawing inspiration from a poem by Leonard Lipton ’62.
Yarrow’s academic pursuits at Cornell, where he majored in psychology within the College of Arts and Sciences, were unexpectedly intertwined with his burgeoning musical talent. A pivotal point was the course American Folk Literature, affectionately known as “Romp-n-Stomp.” Taught by folklorist Professor Harold Thompson, this course became a fertile ground for Yarrow’s musical exploration. He even served as a student instructor, earning a $500 stipend to guide fellow students through songs related to course content – a sum that represented a significant portion of his tuition at the time. This immersive experience exposed him to a rich tapestry of American musical traditions, from murder ballads and Dust Bowl narratives to the powerful spirituals of enslaved peoples.
Reflecting on the profound impact of his Cornell experience, Yarrow once noted the direct line connecting “Romp-n-Stomp” to Peter, Paul and Mary’s impactful presence at the 1963 March on Washington. Their performance of anthems like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “If I Had a Hammer” was, in his view, a natural “extrapolation” of the musical and social awareness cultivated in that very classroom. His connection with Cornell remained strong throughout his life, marked by returns to his alma mater for his 50th and 60th reunions in 2009 and 2019, where he participated in Romp-n-Stomp revivals, sharing his music and leading sing-alongs with hundreds of alumni. Cornell, in his own words, was “a place where I felt comfortable,” a sentiment that speaks volumes about the formative role the university played in his life.
Born on May 31, 1938, in Manhattan to Ukrainian Jewish immigrant parents, Peter Yarrow’s artistic journey began early. He honed his creative skills at the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan, initially focusing on painting before music took center stage during his Cornell years. After graduating, Yarrow returned to the vibrant folk scene of Greenwich Village in New York City, where he quickly gained recognition. A crucial connection with Albert Grossman, a key figure in the Newport Folk Festival, led to the fateful pairing with Mary Travers and Noel Paul Stookey. The newly formed Peter, Paul and Mary signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1961, and their debut self-titled album became a phenomenon. “Peter, Paul and Mary” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, selling over 2 million copies and launching them into superstardom. The ensuing decade saw them release eight more albums, with an impressive 12 songs reaching Billboard’s Top 40, cementing their place in music history.
Beyond their musical achievements, Peter, Paul and Mary were known for their overt progressive politics. Their rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” transformed it into a powerful civil rights anthem, especially after they performed it at the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington, the same event where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Their activism extended to performing for presidential campaigns and participating in protests against the Vietnam War, consistently using their platform to advocate for social justice and peace.
Following the group’s initial disbandment in 1970, Yarrow embarked on a solo career, releasing an album and continuing to write songs. However, the magnetic pull of Peter, Paul and Mary remained strong. They reunited for benefit concerts and, from 1978 until Travers’ passing in 2009, toured regularly, delighting generations of fans. In 2000, Yarrow’s commitment to social responsibility took a new form with the establishment of Operation Respect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments for schoolchildren, reflecting his lifelong dedication to positive change.
Peter Yarrow’s reflections on Peter, Paul and Mary’s enduring legacy, shared in a 2014 Soundcheck podcast, resonate deeply: “These songs are around. They’re in the summer camps. They’re in the schools. They’re in the churches, the synagogues, the mosques even. They’re not going away. They were there before the folk renaissance, and they will stand as part of our culture for a long time.” His words encapsulate the timeless quality of Peter, Paul and Mary’s music and its continued relevance.
Peter Yarrow is survived by his wife, Mary Beth McCarthy, his son and daughter, and a granddaughter. His contributions to music and social change as part of Peter, Paul and Mary and beyond will continue to inspire for generations to come.
