HOME | Peter Yarrow

THE LEGACY CONTINUES:

Creating Safe, Compassionate Environments

For Children & Youth

Founded in 1999 by Peter Yarrow and Dr. Charlotte Frank, Operation Respect transforms schools, camps, and other youth-serving organizations into safer, more respectful, bully-free environments for children and youth through our social-emotional learning curriculum, professional training, and inspiring music.

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ALONE IN THE THE LAND
OF THE AARDVARKS

Mary Beth (McCarthy) Yarrow, Peter Yarrow's wife, is a producer of social and political documentary films and television. She is currently finishing Gene McCarthy: Alone In The Land of the Aardvarks about the Minnesota Senator Eugene J. McCarthy, a poet and politician who, in 1968, changed the landscape of American politics. Mary Beth's and Peter met while campaigning for Gene, who was Mary Beth's uncle.

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The Peter Yarrow Memorial Fund

to Prevent Human Trafficking

One Story At A Time, co-founded by Peter Yarrow & Linda Carroll is a nonprofit foundation established to ease some of the suffering and support the resilience of the community at Casa del Migrante en Tijuana A.C - in building new lives, away from the trauma and violence they fled.

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BETHANY YARROW
MUSIC. FREEDOM. JUSTICE.

Daughter of Peter Yarrow, Bethany Yarrow is a multifaceted artist, renowned for her rich musical history and deep-seated activism. Beginning at 8 years old, she performed with her father at rallies and concerts around the world. She follows in her father's footsteps as a folk musician who has evolved into a prominent voice for environmental and social justice.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Peter Yarrow, Of The Folk Trio Peter, Paul & Mary, Dies at 86

By Jim Farber

Published Jan. 7, 2025 Updated Jan. 10, 2025

The trio he formed with Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers became a pop phenomenon, scoring hits like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

Peter Yarrow, whose caring and righteous vocals for the trio Peter, Paul and Mary helped establish them as one of the most popular folk acts of the 1960s, died on Tuesday at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He was 86.

How Peter Yarrow Taught A Mom In Newtown To Sing Through Grief After Sandy Hook Shooting

Connecticut Public Radio | By Lori Mack, Diane Orson

Published January 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM EST

The world lost a great folk singer this month. Peter Yarrow is best known for his work with Peter Paul and Mary, but he had a special connection to Newtown, Connecticut. Two months after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, Yarrow helped organize a concert to help bring the community together.

A Look Back At Peter Yarrow's Life - With Bill Ritter

ABC News 7 NY - Eyewitness News | By Bill Ritter

Published January 8, 2025

The world lost a great and profound person. But the world was so lucky and fortunate to have this amazing musician, song writer, and man of peace. RIP PETER YARROW.

TRIBUTES

Below is just a small selection of the thousands of letters that poured in as part of a living tribute to Peter. It is a beautiful and heartfelt collective reflection of his spectacular, inspiring, singular LIFE. 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…

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE TRIBUTES & STORIES ABOUT PETER

Dear Peter, In 2010 I was lucky enough to join you and Noel on stage for a concert in
NYC - it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,
as I grew up listening to P,P & M ’s music and to sing with you
both all these years later felt like the most charmed of magical circles coming back around…I am so happy to share this photograph (I don’t know who took it, apologies!) as proof that it happened! I send you comfort and care now, bright eyes, open heart, old and new songs, magic circles and most of all, love love love -

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Dear Peter,
Thank you so much for what you have done for the music, for the country and all of the artists that have followed in your footsteps!
I feel lucky and grateful to have gotten to work with you!

Peace and Love, John Gorka

You lit up my life with your guitar playing and singing starting in 1963. You lit up my life again at Rancho la Puerta when we became friends. You brotherly embrace, your receiving my healing hands and your patience to listen to my own songs move me still to my core. I love you brother.---Michael Brightwood

There are many, many stories both related to Americans for Democratic Action and at the Lowenstein's for the "Macy's Day" parade. Sadly, I don't have a photo of my favorite when Peter took our then four-ish year old daughter on his lap while he sang Puff the Magic Dragon. Both were enchanted and enchanting. When I retired from ADA, I was presented with a picture book entitled "I have walked with giants" because I kept saying that. Peter was, is and will remain one of my personal giants. I shall be ever grateful for his support and friendship. Please keep the wind beneath your wings.

We remember singer-songwriter Peter Yarrow, who made his Carnegie Hall debut alongside musical partners Paul Stookey and Mary Travers in 1962.

He returned to the Hall for nearly 30 performances, often as part of Peter, Paul and Mary. A 1964 New York Times review of their concert noted, “The hall was filled to the rafters. The trio stands at the very top of its profession, as regards audience acceptance, record sales and being generally regarded as pace‐setters, trendmakers, hit‐producers and all that. What was surprising about this concert is that while many another pop‐folk group has droned its way out of popularity by remaining static and formula‐trapped, Peter, Paul and Mary remain definitely in motion.”

- Carnegie Hall

Thank you for your gifts to humanity, uncle. i am lucky to have called you a mentor, ally, and friend. you changed the landscape and paved the way for songwriters like myself, seeking justice and equity. i remember when we met and i wept in your arms, speaking of my father who i believed would have been rolling over in his grave in pride at our union. the wisdom you shared with me will be held sacred forever. until we meet again, running in the clouds. rest in power xo your friend, bear (Nahko)

Big thanks to Peter for making so many Rancho La Puerta singalongs so magical.

Your love, intensity, humor, creativity, generosity, care, acceptance and advocacy have impacted millions of people on our planet. I sang your songs as a camper in the Catskills in the 1960's - never imagining that someday we would be friends and partners in fighting bullying. Your care about Eric was profound and deeply impactful on a man with challenges. May our spirit always say "Don't Laugh at Me" and tonight, I "Light One Candle" for you, Peter Yarrow. Love, Elliott Masie

Peter: my neighbor and Ranch friend. You’ve inspired me and brought peace to my life since I was a child. When I first introduced myself to you at the Ranch and told you I grew up in the Village, you immediately surmised that I had gone to Little Red. I was so honored to meet you as an adult and get to hear your music at the Ranch, especially that first night of Chanukah after October 7th. I loved running into you in the neighborhood back on W. 67th Street. You helped soothe my soul about the war in the Middle East. The world needs your peace activism and music more than ever. Take care my friend.

- Justine Gubar

Dearest Peter, I grew up listening to your music as a kid and so enjoyed seeing/hearing you as an adult last year at Rancho La Puerta! I remember being so impressed by your youthful vigor and vibrant spirit. I especially loved your musical performances where you invited us to sing along with you, and your son and daughter. Thank you for all the joy you have brought, not only to my life, but millions of others in the world. Your beautiful spirit, humanity and musical contributions will be forever loved and cherished.

- Ann Goforth