Peter Yarrow, the beloved folk singer and social activist, passed away at the age of 86 on January 7, 2025. As a member of the legendary trio “Peter, Paul and Mary”, Yarrow’s music and activism left an indelible mark on the world and the trio came to embody the social revolution of the 1960s.
Peter Yarrow was born on May 31, 1938, in New York City. He rose to fame in the 1960s as part of Peter, Paul and Mary, alongside Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. The trio became known for their harmonious melodies and socially conscious lyrics, contributing to the folk music revival of the era. Their hits, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “If I Had a Hammer,” became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements.
“Puff, the Magic Dragon”, released in 1963 and written by the three, is perhaps their most famous song. It tells the story of a magical dragon named Puff who lives by the sea in the land of Honalee. The song is often interpreted as a reference to drug use, but the songwriters have consistently denied these claims, stating that it is simply a children’s song about the end of childhood and the loss of innocence.
Yarrow’s life was not without controversy. In 1970, he was convicted of molesting a 14-year-old girl, a crime for which he later received a presidential pardon. Despite this dark chapter, Yarrow continued to be a prominent figure in the music world and a dedicated activist.
In his later years, Yarrow battled bladder cancer, which ultimately led to his death. He spent his final days surrounded by family and friends, who remembered him as a generous, creative, and passionate individual. His daughter, Bethany Yarrow, described him as “every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest”.
Peter Yarrow’s contributions to music and social justice will be remembered as part of a musical movement that sought to bring about social justice, to make the world a better place—a virtual symbol of the 1960s.
