Peter Yarrow, the iconic voice behind the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on Tuesday at his home in Manhattan's Upper West Side. He was 86 years old. The news was confirmed by his publicist, who reported that Yarrow had been battling bladder cancer for the past four years.

Yarrow's contributions to folk music helped define the genre during the 1960s. His precise tenor intertwined beautifully with the rich baritone of Noel Paul Stookey and the warm contralto of Mary Travers. Peter Yarrow was not only a talented vocalist but also a gifted songwriter, penning classics such as "Puff the Magic Dragon," "Day Is Done," and "The Great Mandala." "Puff the Magic Dragon" achieved remarkable success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard charts.

As prominent figures in the folk music movement, Peter, Paul and Mary were equally recognized for their progressive activism as they were for their music. They played a significant role in the civil rights movement, performing at the March on Washington in 1963, where Yarrow sang "Blowin' in the Wind," a song that became synonymous with the civil rights struggle. This performance solidified their place in history alongside figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Throughout their career, the trio supported various liberal political campaigns, including those of Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern. Yarrow's lyrics often emphasized social justice, as seen in "The Great Mandala," which tells the story of a protester on a hunger strike, and "Day Is Done," which reflects hope for a more just future.

Born on May 31, 1938, in Manhattan to Jewish immigrant parents from Ukraine, Yarrow's early life was marked by his parents' divorce when he was just five years old. His father’s impressive accomplishments, including a role at Radio Free Europe, influenced Yarrow’s view of social justice and activism. A graduate of Cornell University, Yarrow emerged as a significant performer in New York City’s vibrant Greenwich Village folk scene, aiming to create music that fostered community and empathy.

In 1961, Peter, Paul and Mary released their self-titled debut album, which quickly became a commercial success. Their rendition of "If I Had a Hammer" secured them two Grammy Awards, and their following hits, including "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "Blowin' in the Wind," solidified their status among folk music royalty.

However, Yarrow's legacy was not without controversy. In 1969, he was convicted of taking "indecent liberties" with a minor, which led to a brief prison sentence. Although he received a presidential pardon in 1981 from Jimmy Carter, the incident cast a shadow over his later career, particularly during the emergence of the #MeToo movement.

Yarrow's personal life included two marriages to Marybeth McCarthy, niece of a prominent Democratic candidate. They initially divorced but remarried in 2022. He is survived by his children, Christopher and Bethany, as well as a granddaughter.

In his later years, Yarrow remained active in music and social justice initiatives. In 2000, he founded Operation Respect, aimed at promoting tolerance among children. He often performed alongside his daughter and continued to advocate for the power of folk music to engender understanding and compassion.

As tributes poured in, Noel Paul Stookey reflected on his friendship with Yarrow, expressing a deep sense of loss. "Peter was my creative, irrepressible, spontaneous younger brother," he shared, reminding us that the essence of Yarrow's work extended far beyond the realm of music.

As the world mourns the loss of an extraordinary artist and activist, Peter Yarrow’s influence on folk music and social advocacy will echo for generations to come. His songs and messages of hope, love, and justice have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.