Peter Yarrow

Peter Yarrow was a singer-songwriter and activist, best known as one-third of the folk-music trio Peter, Paul and Mary, a group that helped define the sound and social conscience of the 1960s folk revival. After forming the seminal folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary in Greenwich Village, Peter Yarrow quickly signed with Warner Bros., releasing their self-titled debut album in 1962 which immediately soared to No. 1 on the Billboard chart. This rapid ascent was followed by two Grammy Awards in 1962 for their iconic rendition of ‘If I Had a Hammer.’ Peter, Paul and Mary were pivotal in amplifying Bob Dylan’s early work, transforming ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ and ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’ into Billboard Top 10 hits.

Beyond the group’s primary output, Yarrow co-wrote and produced the Billboard hit ‘Torn Between Two Lovers’ in 1976. Demonstrating his deep roots in the folk community, he became a board member of the esteemed Newport Folk Festival in 1964. Parallel to his musical career, Yarrow dedicated himself to extensive social activism. In 2000, he co-founded Operation Respect, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating bullying.

Continuing to inspire and engage audiences, Yarrow has remained active in mentoring younger artists and performing. Most recently, he lent his distinct guest vocals to Jim Stanard’s album, ‘Color Outside the Lines,’ released in 2020. His enduring legacy as a songwriter, performer, and unwavering advocate for social change continues to resonate, reflecting a career defined by artistic excellence and profound societal impact.