# Peter, Paul and Mary

> American folk music group popular in the 1960s

**Wikidata**: [Q654716](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q654716)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter,_Paul_and_Mary)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peter-paul-and-mary

## Summary
Peter, Paul and Mary is an American folk music group popular in the 1960s, formed in 1961 by Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers. The trio became a defining act of the folk revival, known for their harmonies, socially conscious lyrics, and hits like "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane."

## Key Facts
- **Formation**: Founded in 1961 by Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers.
- **Genre**: Folk music, part of the 1960s folk revival.
- **Notable Songs**: "Puff, the Magic Dragon," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," "If I Had a Hammer."
- **Record Label**: Signed with Chrysalis Records in 1968.
- **Active Years**: 1961–2009.
- **Influence**: Pioneered contemporary folk music and inspired generations of musicians.
- **Legacy**: Their harmonies and socially conscious themes remain iconic in folk music history.

## FAQs
**Who were the members of Peter, Paul and Mary?**
Peter, Paul and Mary was formed by Peter Yarrow (1938–2025), Paul Stookey (b. 1938), and Mary Travers (1936–2009). The trio co-founded the group in 1961 and remained active until Travers's death in 2009.

**What are some of their most famous songs?**
The group is best known for hits like "Puff, the Magic Dragon," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," and "If I Had a Hammer," which became staples of the folk music genre.

**When did Peter, Paul and Mary form, and when did they disband?**
The group was formed in 1961 and remained active until Mary Travers's death in 2009. They officially disbanded after her passing.

**What record label did Peter, Paul and Mary sign with?**
The group was signed to Chrysalis Records in 1968, which supported their solo and group projects.

**How did Peter, Paul and Mary influence folk music?**
Peter, Paul and Mary helped define the sound and cultural impact of the 1960s folk revival. Their harmonies, socially conscious lyrics, and original compositions contributed to the evolution of contemporary folk music.

## Why It Matters
Peter, Paul and Mary played a pivotal role in the 1960s folk music revival, shaping the genre with their harmonies and socially conscious themes. Their songs, such as "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane," became enduring classics that influenced generations of musicians. The group's work helped define the folk music of the era and continues to inspire artists today. Their legacy endures as a foundational act in the folk revival, contributing to the broader cultural and musical landscape of the 1960s.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the harmonies and sound of the 1960s folk revival.
- Composing iconic songs like "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane."
- Influencing generations of folk musicians with their socially conscious lyrics.
- Signing with Chrysalis Records, which helped solidify their place in the folk music scene.
- Defining the evolution of contemporary folk music through their original compositions and performances.

## Body
### Formation and Early Career
Peter, Paul and Mary was formed in 1961 by Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers. The trio began performing together in the early 1960s, gaining recognition as part of the folk music revival. Their harmonies and socially conscious lyrics quickly set them apart in the genre.

### Breakthrough and Popularity
The group achieved widespread popularity in the 1960s with hits like "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane." These songs became staples of the folk music genre and helped establish Peter, Paul and Mary as a defining act of the era.

### Record Label Affiliation
In 1968, Peter, Paul and Mary signed with Chrysalis Records, which supported their solo and group projects. The label helped them reach a wider audience and solidify their place in the folk music scene.

### Legacy and Influence
Peter, Paul and Mary's contributions to folk music have had a lasting impact on the genre. Their harmonies, socially conscious lyrics, and original compositions helped define the sound and cultural significance of the 1960s folk revival. The group's work continues to influence musicians and fans of folk music today.

### Members
- **Peter Yarrow**: Born in 1938, Yarrow was a key member of Peter, Paul and Mary, contributing to the group's harmonies and songwriting.
- **Paul Stookey**: Born in 1938, Stookey was another founding member, known for his vocals and songwriting contributions.
- **Mary Travers**: Born in 1936, Travers co-founded the group and pursued a solo career as a composer and performer.

### Notable Songs
- "Puff, the Magic Dragon" (1963)
- "Leaving on a Jet Plane" (1963)
- "If I Had a Hammer" (1963)

### Active Years
Peter, Paul and Mary remained active from 1961 until Mary Travers's death in 2009. Despite the loss of a founding member, the group continued to perform and release music throughout their career.

### Cultural Impact
Peter, Paul and Mary's work helped shape the cultural landscape of the 1960s, influencing generations of musicians and contributing to the broader folk music movement. Their songs and performances remain iconic in folk music history.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. MusicBrainz
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/newartist.htm)
6. BBC Things
7. Google Knowledge Graph
8. Quora