Peter Yarrow
Artist, activist
As an artist and activist, Peter Yarrow has produced many noteworthy songs, including. “Puff, The Magic Dragon”, “Day Is Done”, “The Great Mandala” and “Light One Candle”. His musical creativity has always gone hand in hand with his commitment to social justice and equity in society.
Yarrow has been on the front lines ever since the Civil Rights Movement of the early 1960’s. Over the years, many issues have moved Peter to commit his time and talent: equal rights, peace, the environment, gender equality, homelessness, hospice care and education. All have utilized his skills as both a performer and an organizer. Along with his singing partners, Noel “Paul” Stookey and Mary Travers, Peter participated in the Civil Rights Movement, which brought them to Washington in 1963 to sing for the historic march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the equally historic Selma-Montgomery march in 1965. He went on to produce and coordinate numerous events for the Peace/anti-Vietnam War movement, including festivals at Madison Square Garden and Shea Stadium. These efforts culminated in his co-organizing the 1969 Celebration of Life, the famous march on Washington, in which some half-million people participated.
Yarrow’s most recent efforts are focused on a non-profit he founded in 1999 called Operation Respect, which disseminates a free program utilizing music and video along with curricular materials designed to establish a safe, compassionate and nurturing environment in schools and summer camps across America. Some of his other recent work involves advocacy and fund-raising for Mercy Corps.
Yarrow gave a moving tribute to Congressman John Lewis at The American Spirit Awards 2015 and spoke at The Common Good in 2015: Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary.
Twitter: @PeterYarrowPPM
