Peter Yarrow, the beloved folk musician and member of the iconic trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86.
He died on Tuesday morning at his home in New York City, surrounded by his family. Yarrow had been battling cancer for the past four years.
Peter Yarrow, along with Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, formed Peter, Paul and Mary in the early 1960s. The trio became a defining force in the folk music scene, particularly known for their powerful songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “If I Had a Hammer.”
Their music resonated with the social movements of the time, addressing themes of peace, justice, and civil rights.
Yarrow’s journey into music began during his time at Cornell University, where he first started performing. It was at the Newport Folk Festival that he caught the attention of manager Albert Grossman, who envisioned creating a modern folk group akin to the Weavers, a legendary band that included Pete Seeger.
This led to the formation of Peter, Paul and Mary, and they quickly became a household name. Their debut singles, including “The Lemon Tree” and “If I Had a Hammer,” were massive hits, and they won two Grammy Awards in 1962.
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Many of the group’s most famous songs, such as the anti-war anthem “The Great Mandala,” were creations of Yarrow.
Beyond his music career, Yarrow had deep involvement in social causes. In 2005, he performed in Ho Chi Minh City to raise awareness for the victims of Agent Orange, offering a heartfelt apology on behalf of the United States.
He also supported various causes through performances, including an appearance at Zuccotti Park during the Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011.
Yarrow’s legacy lives on through his music and activism. He is survived by his wife Marybeth, their children Christopher and Bethany, and his granddaughter Valentina.