Peter Yarrow, a member of the iconic ’60s folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, passed away at the age of 86 in his New York home. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Ken Sunshine, who revealed that the cause of death was bladder cancer. Yarrow, known for his tender vocals, filled the role of tenor in the trio alongside Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers.
Legacy of Peter, Paul, and Mary
One of the group’s most enduring hits, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” which Yarrow co-wrote and sang lead on, reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1963. The song, often speculated to be about marijuana, tells the tale of a boy and his imaginary friend. Despite the rumors, Yarrow consistently denied any drug-related connotations. Their repertoire also included well-known tunes like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which they performed at the historic March on Washington.
Personal Reflections and Controversy
Following Yarrow’s passing, Stookey, the sole surviving member of the trio, shared heartfelt sentiments, calling Yarrow his “creative, irrepressible, spontaneous, and musical younger brother.” Despite their musical success, Yarrow faced controversy in 1970 when he pleaded guilty to inappropriate behavior with a minor. However, in 1981, he was pardoned by President Jimmy Carter, acknowledging his mistakes and expressing deep remorse.
Life and Musical Journey
Born in New York in 1938 to Jewish immigrants from Ukraine, Yarrow’s musical career began while studying psychology at Cornell. He later rose to fame after forming Peter, Paul, and Mary in 1960, with whom he released numerous albums and advocated for social causes. Yarrow’s personal life also saw ups and downs, including a marriage to Mary Beth McCarthy, a divorce, and subsequent remarriage in 2022.
In addition to his musical contributions, Yarrow is survived by his two children and a grandchild, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of folk music. As fans mourn the loss of a legendary artist, his music and activism will continue to resonate for years to come.
