Peter Yarrow Dies

Yarrow co-founded Peter, Paul and Mary alongside Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers in 1961.

Peter Yarrow, born on May 31, 1938, in New York City, was an American singer-songwriter renowned for his role in the 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Raised in an upper-middle-class family that valued art and scholarship, Yarrow developed an early interest in music, transitioning from violin to guitar during his youth.

He graduated from Cornell University in 1959 and soon became an active figure in the Greenwich Village folk scene. In 1961, Yarrow co-founded Peter, Paul and Mary alongside Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. The trio quickly rose to prominence, becoming central figures in the American folk music revival.

They produced numerous chart-topping hits, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” co-written by Yarrow, and their renditions of “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “If I Had a Hammer.” Their music became synonymous with the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s, reflecting their deep commitment to social justice.

Beyond his work with Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow pursued a solo career that showcased his talents as a singer-songwriter and producer. He released several solo albums, including “Peter” (1972) and “That’s Enough for Me” (1973). Yarrow co-wrote the 1976 hit “Torn Between Two Lovers” for Mary MacGregor, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

He also produced albums for other artists, such as the folk-rock band Lazarus1. His songwriting contributions to Peter, Paul and Mary include classics like “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done,” and “Light One Candle,” reflecting his commitment to social and political causes. In 1979, Yarrow received an Emmy nomination for the animated television special “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

Yarrow was a dedicated social activist. He participated in pivotal events such as the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1999, he co-founded Operation Respect, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting safe and respectful environments for children through educational programs designed to combat bullying and violence in schools.

Yarrow’s activism extended to various humanitarian causes. He organized numerous peace concerts and founded charitable initiatives such as the Save One Child fund. His unwavering commitment to social causes earned him several accolades, including the Allard K. Lowenstein Award2 in 1982 for his efforts in advancing human rights, peace, and freedom, and the Tikkun Olam Award3 from the Miami Jewish Federation in 1995 for his contributions to repairing the world.

In his personal life, Yarrow faced legal challenges. In 1970, he was convicted of taking indecent liberties with a 14-year-old girl, for which he served three months in prison. He was later pardoned by President Jimmy Carter in 1981. Yarrow’s contributions to literature include several children’s books,

notably “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” published in 2007, and “Day Is Done,” released in 2009. These works reflect his enduring commitment to using music and storytelling to inspire and educate younger generations.

Solo

  • 1972: Peter
  • 1973: That’s Enough for Me
  • 1975: Hard Times
  • 1975: Love Songs
  • 2010: The Peter Yarrow Sing-Along Special

Peter Bethany and Rufus

  • 2008: Puff & Other Family Classics

Other

  • 1971: Lazarus – Lazarus; producer
  • 1973: A Fool’s Paradise – Lazarus; producer
  • 1984: Here With Me – Kamifusen4; songwriter, “Cherry Blossom”
  • 2020: Color Outside the Lines – Jim Stanard5; vocals on songs “Home” and “Arkansas”, along with Bethany Yarrow

Peter Yarrow passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the age of 86, after a battle with bladder cancer. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth McCarthy, their two children, and a granddaughter. His legacy endures through his music and unwavering dedication to social activism, leaving an indelible mark on American culture and the global fight for justice and equality.

Footnotes
  1. Lazarus was a 1970s American soft rock band originating from Abilene, Texas. Initially known as Shiloh, the trio comprised Bill Hughes, Gary Dye, and Carl Keesee. Their big break came after meeting Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, who, along with producer Phil Ramone, facilitated their move to Woodstock, New York, and secured them a contract with Bearsville Records. Under this label, they released two albums: “Lazarus” (1971) and “A Fool’s Paradise” (1973), both produced by Yarrow and Ramone. The band’s single “Warmth of Your Eyes” achieved moderate success, and they garnered a Clio Award for Best Commercial of the Year for their work on a Life Savers campaign. ↩︎
  2. The Allard K. Lowenstein Award is presented by the Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) to individuals who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to human rights, civil liberties, and social justice, reflecting the legacy of Allard K. Lowenstein—a prominent civil rights activist, politician, and diplomat known for his relentless opposition to injustice. Established to honor Lowenstein’s contributions, the award recognizes those who have made significant strides in advancing human rights and democratic values. Recipients are celebrated for their dedication to causes such as civil rights, anti-apartheid efforts, and anti-war movements, mirroring Lowenstein’s own activism during the 1960s and 1970s. The award serves not only as a tribute to Lowenstein’s enduring legacy but also as an inspiration for continued advocacy in the pursuit of justice and equality. ↩︎
  3. The Tikkun Olam Award is presented by various organizations to honor individuals who contribute to “repairing the world,” a central concept in Jewish tradition. Notable examples include the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, which grant $36,000 to Jewish teens in the U.S. who demonstrate exceptional leadership in social change, and the Tikkun Olam Prize for Promoting Public Historical Literacy by the American Historical Association, recognizing efforts to enhance public understanding of history. These awards exemplify tikkun olam by supporting transformative contributions to communities and broader societal improvement. ↩︎
  4. Kamifusen is a Japanese folk duo formed in 1974 by Etsujiro Gotoh and Yasuyo Hirayama, both former members of the folk group Akai Tori. Known for their harmonious blend of traditional Japanese music with contemporary sounds, they gained popularity with hits like “Before Winter Comes” and have been active in the Kansai region, recording internationally in locations such as Santa Monica and Toronto. Their music often features modern arrangements of traditional songs, reflecting their deep appreciation for Japanese musical heritage. Both Gotoh and Hirayama have engaged in media activities, with Hirayama hosting radio shows for decades and Gotoh appearing as a lecturer on NHK Educational TV’s “Shumi Yūyū” in 2005, showcasing their multifaceted contributions to Japanese music and culture. ↩︎
  5. Jim Stanard is an American singer-songwriter and former insurance executive. He began his music journey in the 1960s and early 1970s, performing in college coffeehouses before pausing to pursue a business career. In 1993, he founded RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., a leading property catastrophe reinsurance company, serving as Chairman and CEO until 2005. After retiring from the insurance industry, Stanard returned to music, releasing albums such as “Bucket List” and “Color Outside The Lines,” the latter featuring collaborations with artists like Peter Yarrow. His music reflects influences from the 1960s singer-songwriter era, blending traditional folk elements with contemporary themes. ↩︎
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Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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