Peter Yarrow: “Jackie Paper Came No More”

Peter Yarrow: “Jackie Paper Came No More”

The magnificent tenor voice of Peter, Paul and Mary has left us. Peter Yarrow, born May 31, 1938, passed away  Tuesday, January 7, at the age of 86. He was a powerful voice for social activism and a prolific singer/songwriter, best known for his partnership in the trio that gave us some many great songs, including ones he wrote or co-wrote, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “The Great Mandella (Wheel of Life),” “Rich Man, Poor Man,” “Day is Done,” and “Light One Candle.” Peter, Paul and Mary recorded 15 albums together which featured dozens upon dozens of great cover songs in addition to the group’s originals. Yarrow had another five solo recordings.

For sixty years, the song most emblazoned on my soul was their rendition of the traditional British and Irish folk song “Lily of the West,” which they sang on their second album Movin’ titled “Flora.” It was the flip side of the hit Warner Brothers single “Blowin’ in the Wind.” This rendition is stunning.