Peter Yarrow is best known as a member of the iconic folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary, but his life and career extend far beyond the group’s harmonies. While celebrated for his music and activism, Yarrow’s legacy is also marked by a controversial incident that has resurfaced throughout his public life. This article delves into the multifaceted story of Peter Yarrow, exploring his musical achievements, his activism, and the complexities of his past.
Yarrow, alongside Peter, Paul and Mary, became a defining voice of the 1960s folk revival. The group’s harmonies and socially conscious songs resonated deeply with audiences, propelling them to international fame with hits like “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” Peter Yarrow’s songwriting and tenor vocals were integral to the group’s signature sound, contributing to their numerous Grammy Awards and enduring popularity. Peter, Paul and Mary’s music became synonymous with the era’s spirit of social change and protest, and Peter Yarrow was at the heart of this cultural phenomenon.
However, Peter Yarrow’s career encountered a significant disruption in 1969. He was accused of making sexual advances toward a 14-year-old girl. This incident led to a guilty plea for taking “indecent liberties” and a three-month prison sentence. The repercussions of this event have followed Yarrow throughout his life, casting a shadow over his public image and career.
Despite receiving a presidential pardon from Jimmy Carter in 1981, the 1969 case remained a persistent issue, particularly during election campaigns for politicians Yarrow supported. This demonstrated the long-lasting impact of the incident on his reputation and his ability to engage in political activism without facing scrutiny.
In 2019, the #MeToo movement brought renewed attention to past allegations of sexual misconduct. A scheduled performance by Peter Yarrow at an upstate New York arts festival was canceled due to protests, highlighting the continued sensitivity surrounding the 1969 incident. Yarrow responded to the cancellation with a statement acknowledging the pain he had caused and accepting the organizers’ decision as “not unfair or unjust.” His words indicated a sense of remorse and an understanding of the gravity of his past actions in the context of contemporary social awareness.
Beyond the controversies, Peter Yarrow also pursued a solo career after Peter, Paul and Mary initially broke up. His first solo album, “Peter,” was released in 1972, though it did not achieve significant commercial success. However, in 1976, he co-wrote “Torn Between Two Lovers” with Phillip Jarrell. This song became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the charts for pop singer Mary MacGregor, showcasing Yarrow’s songwriting talent beyond the folk genre.
In his personal life, Peter Yarrow married Marybeth McCarthy, niece of politician Eugene McCarthy, in 1969. Although they divorced, they remarried in 2022, indicating a complex and enduring relationship. “Wedding Song,” written by fellow Peter, Paul and Mary member Peter Stookey, was dedicated to their first marriage and has become a popular choice for wedding ceremonies worldwide, a testament to the personal connections intertwined with their public lives. Peter Yarrow is survived by his wife Marybeth, his son Christopher, daughter Bethany, and a granddaughter.
Peter Yarrow’s life presents a complex narrative. He is a celebrated musician who contributed significantly to the American folk music scene and social activism. Yet, his legacy is also inextricably linked to the 1969 incident and its ongoing repercussions. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of public figures and the enduring impact of past actions in the modern era.
