Peter Yarrow, the singer-songwriter behind the folk act Peter, Paul and Mary, died at age 86 after a battle with bladder cancer.
The Grammy Winning musician died on Tuesday, January 7, at his home in New York City, according to People.
The musician had been battling cancer “for some time,” according to an online message shared by his children, Christopher and Bethany Yarrow, on December 4, 2024.
“He has kept his doctors in awe at his resilience as he has continued to perform and live life in his own generous and cause-driven way,” the pair wrote via Instagram. “It has been a long road and he has been a strong dragon, but right now he is very weak and, at 86, his dragon days are numbered.”
They asked friends and family to contribute a “written story, video or audio message” that will supply a living tribute about how “Peter’s humanity, music, unwavering social activism and generous heart had touched their lives in ways big and small.”
“There is Peter Yarrow the folk activist legend, and then there is the man, a deeply compassionate man, who changed the lives of so many people in very personal ways,” they continued. “These words and contributions are more than just stories – they are his true legacy which will endure long after he is gone. Puff the Magic Dragon is forever.”
Peter is best known as a member of the folk music trio, Peter, Paul, and Mary, which was formed in 1961. The group was known for their politically charged songs including, “Day is Done,” “Light One Candle” and “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” In addition, they recorded a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which they performed during the 1963 historical March on Washington led by Martin Luther King, Jr. Over the years, the group earned six Top 10 hits, five Grammy awards and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“Many issues have moved Peter to commit his time and talent: equal rights, peace, the environment, gender equality, homelessness, hospice care, public broadcasting and education. All have utilized his skills as both a performer and an organizer,” his biography states. “When the Civil Rights Movement merged its efforts into the Peace/Anti-Vietnam War Movement, Peter produced numerous large events including peace concerts at Madison Square Garden and Shea Stadium with tens of performers.”
In 1996, he established the Save One Child fund, which offers free interventional radiological neurosurgical treatment to children. In 1999, he also founded the anti-bullying educational nonprofit Operation Respect.
“Peter’s achievements have afforded him the skills and the experience needed to address what he considers to be perhaps his most meaningful and ambitious undertaking to date,” his website described his work with children. “Peter believes that educating children’s social and emotional growth is at least as important as nurturing their intellectual and academic skills.”
Peter is survived by his wife, Marybeth McCarthy, whom he married in 1969 and remarried in 2022, along with his son Christopher, daughter Bethany, and granddaughter.
