Peter Yarrow, a founding member of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has died at the age of 86. The singer-songwriter passed away on Tuesday morning at his home in New York City, surrounded by his family, after a four-year battle with cancer.
Peter, Paul and Mary were central figures in the folk music revival of the 1960s, helping to shape the genre with iconic songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “If I Had a Hammer.” The trio, which also included Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, became famous for their harmonious sound and socially conscious lyrics, with Yarrow contributing to many of their best-known tracks, including the antiwar anthem “The Great Mandala.”
Yarrow’s musical journey began at Cornell University, where he first started performing before making a name for himself in New York’s folk scene. His big break came when he was spotted by manager Albert Grossman at the Newport Folk Festival, leading to the formation of Peter, Paul and Mary. The group quickly found success with hits like “The Lemon Tree” and “If I Had a Hammer,” and went on to win two Grammy Awards in 1962.
Throughout his career, Yarrow was a passionate advocate for social causes, using his platform to promote peace and justice. He is survived by his wife Marybeth, son Christopher, daughter Bethany, and granddaughter Valentina.