Peter Yarrow

It is not surprising that Peter Yarrow of the folk singing group Peter, Paul, and Mary was in Selma, Alabama for the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Social activism has always been an integral part of his life and career. His group was part of the March on Washington in August of 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream Speech.” Peter went on to bring music to the Anti-War Movement. He became an integral part of Operation Respect and Don’t Laugh At Me, organizations that help combat school violence and bullying.

It was surprising, however to run into Peter on the Edmund Pettis Bridge in a crowd of a hundred thousand and to be greeted by him with a warm hug and calling me “brother.” As someone who grew up listening to and learning his music and then having a chance to spend a lifetime representing that music as a member of The Brothers Four it was a special magical moment that I will never forget.

After he agreed to have his picture taken with us he insisted that Pat stand in the middle “just like Peter, Paul, and Mary.” How neat is that.