Peter Yarrow, legendary American folk musician and activist, dies at 86, leaving behind a storied legacy of music and social change.
Peter Yarrow, the iconic American musician of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86 in New York after battling bladder cancer for four years, his agent confirmed to AFP.
His daughter, Bethany, expressed in a statement: "Our indomitable dragon is tired and has begun the final chapter of his magnificent existence." She also paid tribute to his kindness and creativity, adding, "The world knows Peter Yarrow as a folk legend, but the man behind the music was generous, passionate, playful, and wise, as reflected in his songs."
Rising to fame in the 1960s during a period of political and social upheaval, Yarrow, alongside Mary Travers—who passed away in 2009 at 72 from leukemia—and Noel "Paul" Stookey, became a voice of the anti-war and civil rights movements. The trio's rendition of Blowin' in the Wind, written by Bob Dylan, became synonymous with the 1963 Washington peace rally led by Martin Luther King Jr.
Peter Yarrow was born on May 31, 1938, in Manhattan to a family of Jewish Ukrainian immigrants. Initially drawn to painting, he later embraced music during his time at Cornell University, where he discovered guitar and singing.
The trio's 1962 debut album, which fused traditional folk with a modern sound, sold over two million copies. They also won five Grammy Awards, including two for If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays. Although they disbanded in 1970, Peter, Paul and Mary reunited intermittently until Mary Travers's death.
Peter Yarrow's life was not without controversy. In 1970, he served three months in prison after pleading guilty to making advances toward a 14-year-old girl seeking his autograph. Although he was pardoned by President Jimmy Carter in 1981, the #MeToo movement reignited scrutiny over his actions, leading him to cancel a festival appearance in 2019. He later issued a public apology, expressing regret and sorrow.
In France, the trio gained fame with several song adaptations, including 500 Miles, which became J'entends siffler le train by Richard Anthony. Peter Yarrow's passing marks the end of an era for a group whose music inspired generations to fight for equality, peace, and justice.
With AFP
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