Peter Yarrow, a member of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on January 7th in Manhattan at the age of 86. His journey, deeply inspired by his time at Cornell University, led him to become a defining voice of the 1960s folk music scene as part of this iconic group. But Who Is Peter Paul And Mary and why do they continue to resonate with audiences today?
Formed in 1961, Peter, Paul and Mary brought together Peter Yarrow, Mary Travers, and Noel Paul Stookey, creating a harmonious blend that would captivate a generation. Their impact was immediate and immense. Throughout the 1960s, they dominated the music charts, placing an impressive six songs and five albums in Billboard’s Top 10. Notably, two of their albums soared to the coveted No. 1 position, cementing their status as music icons. Yarrow’s songwriting talents were integral to their success; he co-wrote beloved songs like “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” a tune born from his Cornell days, inspired by a poem from Leonard Lipton ’62.
Yarrow’s time at Cornell University was formative. As a psychology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, he found particular inspiration in “American Folk Literature,” a course affectionately known as “Romp-n-Stomp” taught by folklorist Professor Harold Thompson. He even served as a student instructor for this class, leading fellow students in songs ranging from murder ballads and Dust Bowl narratives to spirituals of enslaved peoples. This experience profoundly shaped his musical and social consciousness. Yarrow himself connected his Romp-n-Stomp experience directly to Peter, Paul and Mary’s powerful performance of songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “If I Had a Hammer” at the 1963 March on Washington, viewing it as a natural extension of his folk education.
Peter, Paul and Mary weren’t just musicians; they were cultural commentators and activists. Their music became synonymous with the burgeoning social consciousness of the 1960s. They transformed Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” into a powerful anthem for the Civil Rights movement when they performed it at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, a pivotal moment alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Their commitment to social justice extended beyond civil rights, as they actively participated in presidential campaigns and anti-Vietnam War protests, using their platform to amplify important social and political messages.
While the trio disbanded in 1970, their individual pursuits and eventual reunions underscored the enduring power of their collective work. Yarrow embarked on a solo career, continued songwriting, and remained dedicated to social causes. The group reunited for benefit concerts and toured regularly from 1978 until Mary Travers’ passing in 2009, demonstrating the lasting bond and musical synergy they shared. In 2000, Yarrow further solidified his commitment to positive change by founding Operation Respect, a non-profit organization focused on creating safe and inclusive learning environments for children.
Peter, Paul and Mary’s legacy extends far beyond chart-topping hits. Their music has become deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of society. As Yarrow himself noted, their songs have permeated summer camps, schools, churches, synagogues, and mosques, transcending generations and musical trends. They represent a significant chapter in American folk music and continue to inspire with their harmonies and messages of peace, justice, and understanding. Understanding who is Peter Paul and Mary means recognizing their profound and lasting contribution to music and social progress.
