Peter Yarrow, a founding member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away at age 86 following a four-year battle with bladder cancer, as confirmed by his publicist. Yarrow, along with Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, helped shape the sound of the 1960s folk music revival, producing socially conscious hits like If I Had a Hammer, Blowin’ in the Wind, and the beloved children’s classic Puff, the Magic Dragon.
The group’s debut album in 1962 went double platinum and won two Grammys, solidifying their place in music history. They also played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of other artists, notably bringing widespread attention to Bob Dylan with their rendition of his song Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.
A Complicated Legacy
Yarrow’s career was not without controversy. In 1970, he pled guilty to sexually molesting a 14-year-old fan and served a three-month prison sentence after a plea deal. He was later pardoned by President Jimmy Carter in 1981. In recent years, allegations resurfaced, including a lawsuit filed in 2021 by another woman accusing Yarrow of raping her in 1969 when she was a minor. These revelations have complicated his legacy as both a musical icon and a figure of social activism.
Remembering Yarrow
Yarrow is survived by his wife, Mary Beth McCarthy—a niece of 1968 presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy—and their two children. His passing leaves Paul Stookey as the last surviving member of the influential trio, following Mary Travers’ death in 2009.
Despite the shadows over his life, Yarrow’s contributions to music and social justice remain significant. His performances at pivotal moments, such as the 1963 March on Washington and the 1967 March on the Pentagon, cemented his place in the annals of American history. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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Mary, Paul, and Peter Yarrow died at the age of 86.
