Musician and activist he was one of those responsible for popularizing Bob Dylan’s songs in the 1960s
Impact on popular music of the 1960s
Peter Yarrow, one of the members of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, died this Tuesday morning (7/1), at his home in New York, at the age of 86. According to his representative’s confirmation to Variety, the singer “left with his family by his side” after dealing with cancer for four years.
The group, formed in 1961, emerged as one of the leading names in folk music in the 1960s, helping to popularize and popularize Bob Dylan’s songs, as well as strengthening the civil rights movement. Discovered by Albert Grossman, who was trying to create a new version of the legendary group The Weavers, Yarrow collaborated with Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, creating a musical identity that has spanned generations.
With a contract signed with Warner Bros., the trio achieved immediate success with the singles “The Lemon Tree” and “If I Had a Hammer”, both Grammy winners in 1962, as well as the song “500 Miles”, one of the highlights from their debut album. The consecration came with the interpretation of “Blowin’ in the Wind”, by the then unknown Bob Dylan, which was performed together with the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. in the historic march on Washington, in August 1963.
They also successfully recorded Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice it’s Alright”, “When The Ship Comes In” and “The Times They Are a-Changing”, helping to popularize the singer early in his career.
In addition to political songs, the trio had great success with a children’s song, “Puff, the Magic Dragon”, co-written with Yarrow and released on their second album.
Solo career
Emotional greetings
Bethany Yarrow, the singer’s daughter, paid an emotional tribute: “Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the final chapter of his magnificent life. The world knows Peter Yarrow as an iconic folk activist, but the human being behind Legend is every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful and wise as his lyrics suggest.” He also strengthened the request for donations to the non-profit project Operation Respect, which works in schools against bullying: “It would be an immense joy for him to know that his legacy continues to live on.”
Bandmate Noel Paul Stookey, Paul of Peter, Paul and Mary, also left a touching statement: “Forming the trio was like having a brother. Peter was the best man at my wedding, and I at his. Despite the Our differences, we were inseparable musically and emotionally. I was five months older, but he always had a wisdom that guided me like an older brother.”
Stookey also recalled the duo’s recent performances, such as a 2017 show in Minneapolis: “Any concern that the group would be incomplete without Mary disappeared as soon as we took the stage.”
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
