Peter Yarrow, Iconic Member of Peter, Paul and Mary, Passes Away at 86

Peter Yarrow, the beloved folk musician best known as part of the trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86. His publicist, Ken Sunshine, confirmed that Yarrow died at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan after a courageous battle with bladder cancer, which he had fought for the past four years.

Yarrow, alongside Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, formed one of the most influential folk groups of the 1960s. The trio became a sensation, known for their harmonious sounds and poignant lyrics. They scored numerous hits that resonated with audiences during their peak years, including iconic songs such as “If I Had a Hammer” and the cherished children’s classic “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

The group was celebrated for its unique vocal blend, with Yarrow’s precise tenor weaving seamlessly with Stookey’s gentle baritone and Travers’s warm contralto. He was not only a vital member of the group but also contributed significantly as a songwriter, penning hits like “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “Day Is Done,” and “The Great Mandala.” “Puff” notably climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard charts, and “Day Is Done” found its way into the Top 20.

Throughout their illustrious career, Peter, Paul and Mary achieved remarkable success, landing 12 songs in the Billboard Top 40, with six making it into the Top 10. Their cover of John Denver’s “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane” soared to the No. 1 spot, and they produced five Billboard Top 10 albums, twice topping the magazine’s album chart.

Yarrow leaves behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire generations of folk music lovers. With the loss of Yarrow, the folk music world mourns the passing of a true icon.