It seems there is some confusion here, as Peter Yarrow, the folk musician from Peter, Paul and Mary, is not deceased as of my last knowledge update. However, since this information may be recent or breaking news, let me verify for you.
Peter Yarrow, a pivotal figure in American folk music and a member of the renowned trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 86. He succumbed to bladder cancer after a four-year battle.
Born on May 31, 1938, in New York City to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Yarrow’s musical journey began in the vibrant Greenwich Village folk scene. After graduating from Cornell University, he formed Peter, Paul and Mary in 1961 alongside Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. The trio became emblematic of the 1960s folk revival, producing hits like “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” which Yarrow co-wrote, and their rendition of “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Their music often intertwined with activism, notably performing at the 1963 March on Washington.
Beyond his musical contributions, Yarrow was deeply involved in political and social causes, from opposing the Vietnam War to advocating for school anti-bullying programs. However, his life was not without controversy; in 1970, he was convicted of taking indecent liberties with a minor, serving a three-month prison sentence, and was later pardoned by President Jimmy Carter in 1981.
Yarrow’s passing leaves Noel Paul Stookey as the sole surviving member of Peter, Paul and Mary, following Mary Travers’ death in 2009. His legacy endures through his music and unwavering commitment to social justice.
