Peter Yarrow

Peter Yarrow has charmed and entertained audiences since Peter, Paul and Mary first emerged onto the national scene in the early 1960s. As a member of the renowned musical trio for 49 years, he has earned five Grammys and an Emmy nomination, recorded eight gold and five platinum albums, and six Top 10 hits. The late Coretta Scott King once stated, “Peter, Paul and Mary are not only three of the greatest folk artists ever but also three of the performing arts’ most committed advocates for social justice and peace.” Yarrow’s songwriting has produced notable songs like “Puff, The Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done,” “Light One Candle,” and “The Great Mandala.” This musical creativity has consistently been aligned with Yarrow’s dedication to social change.

Over the past decade, Yarrow has mainly devoted his efforts to leading Operation Respect (OR), an educational non-profit he founded. OR is committed to providing children and youth with a caring, safe, and respectful environment conducive to learning. OR disseminates a classroom-based program called "Don’t Laugh at Me" (DLAM) through the generosity of various supporters. It has been utilized in a variety of ways, often in conjunction with other similar programs, by an estimated 22,000 schools across multiple countries including the United States, Hong Kong, Croatia, and Canada.

"Don’t Laugh at Me" (DLAM) aims to create a school and classroom climate that promotes acceptance of differences and is free of bullying, ridicule, and all forms of violence, emotional and physical. The program leverages music to open hearts and foster discussions that cultivate community and healthy deliberation. OR has distributed over 160,000 copies of DLAM to educators and administrators, and it is available free of charge at www.operationrespect.org. The United States House of Representatives honored OR with a unanimous vote of commendation after only four years of its existence. Additionally, Yarrow’s efforts have extended to working with the Sandy Hook community, including an appearance on the PBS Special "Concert for Newtown."

Yarrow has been recognized for his contributions to educational advocacy with two honorary doctorates from San Francisco State University and National Lewis University. In his presentations, Yarrow combines songs and personal stories to reflect his commitment to making the world a better, more equitable place. These programs are designed to inspire and empower audiences of all ages, encapsulating Yarrow’s legacy as a musician, father, and humanitarian.