• Faith: Judaism
• Career: Musician
• Birthday:  May 31, 1938
• Date of Death:  January 07, 2025

Peter Yarrow was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and activist best known as a member of the legendary 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. He co-wrote one of the group’s most beloved songs, "Puff, the Magic Dragon," alongside Lenny Lipton. Beyond his music, Yarrow was deeply committed to political and social causes, championing efforts from opposing the Vietnam War to promoting anti-bullying programs in schools.

Yarrow was born on May 31, 1938, in Manhattan, New York City, to Ukrainian Jewish immigrant parents Bernard Yarrow and Vera Vlasova. His father was a journalist, and his mother was a speech and drama teacher. Growing up in a culturally rich and progressive environment, Yarrow was deeply influenced by his parents’ intellectual and creative pursuits.

Yarrow’s musical journey began while studying psychology at Cornell University, where he graduated in 1959. Drawn to the burgeoning folk music scene in Greenwich Village, Yarrow’s talent and passion for music flourished. In 1961, he teamed up with Mary Travers and Noel Paul Stookey to form the iconic folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary. Their harmonious voices and socially conscious lyrics quickly resonated with audiences, catapulting them to fame.

The trio’s self-titled debut album in 1962 featured hits like “Lemon Tree” and “If I Had a Hammer.” However, it was their rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” that became an anthem for the civil rights movement. One of their most enduring songs, “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” co-written by Yarrow and Lenny Lipton, captured the imaginations of listeners and became a timeless classic. Other hits included “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”

Peter, Paul, and Mary performed at significant events such as the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Their music became synonymous with the social and political upheavals of the 1960s, addressing themes of peace, equality, and justice. The trio won multiple Grammy Awards and left an indelible mark on the folk music genre.

Yarrow’s activism extended far beyond his music. He was deeply committed to civil rights, anti-war efforts, and environmental conservation. In the 1960s and 1970s, he participated in countless protests and benefit concerts, using his platform to amplify voices of change. Yarrow was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and an advocate for peace, lending his voice and influence to rallies and demonstrations.

In 1999, Yarrow co-founded Operation Respect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting kindness and anti-bullying in schools. The organization’s signature program, “Don’t Laugh at Me,” used music and educational resources to foster empathy and inclusivity among children. Yarrow’s lifelong dedication to social justice reflected his belief in the transformative power of music and education.

Yarrow married Marybeth McCarthy, the niece of Democratic Senator Eugene McCarthy, in 1969. The couple had two children, Bethany and Christopher. Bethany followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a musician and activist.

Despite their shared passions, Yarrow and McCarthy divorced in 1981. He remained a devoted father and took great pride in his children’s accomplishments.

In his later years, Yarrow continued to perform and advocate for social causes, inspiring new generations with his timeless music and unwavering commitment to justice. He passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 86, after battling bladder cancer.

Peter Yarrow's Religious Beliefs

Yarrow was Jewish and often cited Judaism as one of the roots of his liberal views.

He wrote the popular Hanukkah song “Light One Candle” as a response to the First Lebanon War and often spoke about Tikkun Olam, the Jewish concept of “repairing the world,” which guided his activism and music. His songs carried messages of hope, unity, and compassion, embodying his deep spiritual convictions.