The American singer-songwriter Peter Yarrow passed away on Tuesday, January 7th, from bladder cancer.
Yarrow found fame through the 1960s folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary. As of today, the last standing member of the group is Paul Stookey, as Mary Travers died in 2009 from Leukemia.
Peter, Paul and Mary was formed out of New York City in 1961 during the so-called American folk music revival phenomenon. Peter Yarrow provided the guitar and tenor vocals, Paul Stookey provided the guitar and baritone vocals, and Mary Travers provided the contralto vocals.
The group is responsible for making the famous songs “Pete, the Magic Dragon” and “If I Had a Hammer.” Even though the group first started in the 60s, they have amassed millions of views on YouTube. Pete, Paul and Mary’s cover of “Blowing in the Wind” written by Bob Dylan has over 30 million views.
Peter, Paul and Mary became synonymous with the social and political movements of the 1960s, using their music to champion civil rights, peace, and justice. In the 2004 documentary Peter, Paul & Mary: Carry It On — A Musical Legacy, members of the Weavers have said Peter, Paul and Mary took over the torch of social commentary in folk music in the 1960s.
Peter Yarrow, known for his compassionate spirit, carried on the group’s legacy with Paul Stookey even after Mary Travers’s death, performing under their individual names.
Yarrow’s passing marks the end of an era for fans who grew up with the group, but his contributions to folk music will carry on for generations.
