Peter Yarrow, the renowned musician and one-third of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on January 7 in Manhattan at the age of 86. His early musical inspiration stemmed from his time at Cornell, where he majored in psychology and participated in a popular course known as Romp-n-Stomp, which focused on American Folk Literature.
In 1961, Yarrow, along with Mary Travers and Noel Paul Stookey, formed Peter, Paul and Mary. The trio quickly rose to fame in the 1960s, achieving incredible success with six songs and five albums landing in the Billboard top 10, including two that reached No. 1. Among Yarrow’s notable contributions to music is the beloved song “Puff the Magic Dragon,” co-written during his college years, with lyrics inspired by a poem from fellow Cornell student Leonard Lipton.
Yarrow fondly recalled his time at Cornell, particularly how the Romp-n-Stomp course influenced his music career and political engagement. His experiences in that class carried over into his performances during pivotal moments in American history, such as the 1963 March on Washington, where the group powerfully transformed Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” into an anthem for civil rights.
Over the years, Yarrow remained connected to his alma mater, participating in reunion events that celebrated the spirit of Romp-n-Stomp. Born to Jewish immigrant parents in Manhattan, Yarrow’s artistic journey began in high school before immersing himself in the vibrant Greenwich Village folk scene post-graduation.
Though Peter, Paul and Mary disbanded in 1970, Yarrow continued to create music and support various social causes, including founding Operation Respect in 2000, a nonprofit aimed at fostering safe learning environments for children.
Yarrow’s legacy as a musician and activist will undoubtedly endure, as he stated in a 2014 interview: “These songs are around… They were there before the folk renaissance, and they will stand as part of our culture for a long time.”
He is survived by his wife Mary Beth McCarthy, his son, daughter, and granddaughter.
This tribute not only acknowledges Yarrow’s immense contributions to music but also emphasizes the transformative power of art in advocating for change and bringing communities together. His life celebrates the enduring impact of folk music in cultural and social movements, inspiring future generations to continue that legacy.