Peter Yarrow, a name synonymous with the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on January 7th in Manhattan at the age of 86. His journey, deeply rooted in his formative years at Cornell University, blossomed into a career that shaped the landscape of 1960s folk music and social activism. But who were Peter, Paul and Mary beyond the headlines?
Formed in 1961, Peter, Paul and Mary wasn’t just a band; it was a cultural phenomenon. Comprising Peter Yarrow, Mary Travers, and Noel Paul Stookey, the trio emerged as leading voices of the American folk revival movement. Their harmonious vocals and socially conscious lyrics resonated deeply with a generation grappling with change and seeking meaning in music. They quickly ascended the Billboard charts, placing an impressive six songs and five albums in the top 10, with two albums reaching the coveted No. 1 spot.
Yarrow’s time at Cornell University significantly influenced his musical trajectory. As a psychology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, he found inspiration in an American Folk Literature course, affectionately known as “Romp-n-Stomp,” taught by folklorist Professor Harold Thompson. This class, exploring ballads, spirituals, and folk songs, became a pivotal experience. Yarrow even served as a student instructor, leading fellow students in song and earning a stipend that covered a significant portion of his tuition. He later reflected on this experience, stating that Peter, Paul and Mary’s performance of protest songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “If I Had a Hammer” at the 1963 March on Washington was a direct “extrapolation from Romp-n-Stomp.”
The group’s repertoire included timeless classics, many penned or co-written by Yarrow himself. “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” a song he co-created while still a Cornell student, became an instant classic, its whimsical lyrics captivating audiences of all ages. Beyond their original compositions, Peter, Paul and Mary were instrumental in popularizing the songs of a young Bob Dylan. Their rendition of Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” transformed it into a powerful anthem for the civil rights movement, famously performed at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington in 1963, alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. Another iconic song in their arsenal was “If I Had a Hammer,” a Pete Seeger and Lee Hays composition that became a rallying cry for social justice and equality.
Peter, Paul and Mary’s music was deeply intertwined with their progressive political views. They used their platform to advocate for civil rights, performing at marches and lending their voices to the anti-Vietnam War movement. Their music wasn’t just entertainment; it was a vehicle for social change, reflecting the hopes and anxieties of a generation striving for a better world.
Despite their immense success, Peter, Paul and Mary disbanded in 1970, allowing each member to explore solo projects. Yarrow released a solo album and continued songwriting, while Mary Travers and Noel Paul Stookey pursued their own musical paths. However, the magic of Peter, Paul and Mary was undeniable, and they reunited for benefit concerts in 1978, eventually resuming regular touring until Travers’ passing in 2009.
Beyond his musical contributions, Peter Yarrow dedicated himself to creating a kinder world through Operation Respect, a non-profit organization he founded in 2000. Operation Respect focuses on developing safe and inclusive learning environments for schoolchildren, combating bullying and promoting tolerance. This initiative underscored Yarrow’s commitment to using his influence to make a positive impact beyond the realm of music.
The enduring legacy of Peter, Paul and Mary extends far beyond their chart-topping hits. Their songs have become ingrained in popular culture, sung in summer camps, schools, churches, and communities worldwide. As Yarrow himself noted, their music transcends generations and continues to resonate as a vital part of our cultural fabric. Peter Yarrow’s passing marks the end of an era, but the music and message of Peter, Paul and Mary remain timeless, ensuring their place in music history and their continued influence on generations to come. He is survived by his wife Mary Beth McCarthy, his children, and granddaughter, leaving behind a rich tapestry of music and activism.
