Folk Music Legend Peter Yarrow Strikes Chord For Young Fans

Peter Yarrow struck just the right chord with fans of all ages Monday at .

Yarrow, author and member of the folk-music trio Peter, Paul & Mary, was at the bookstore to of his new children's book “It’s Raining, It’s Pouring.”

But before that happened, he sang songs, including "Puff the Magic Dragon," a rendition that had most adults in the room chiming in as well. The children gravitated to Yarrow, dancing and playing while he strummed an acoustic guitar.

He encouraged them to have fun, and during the book signing, Yarrow made sure the children lined up first. He spoke with each child, delivered hugs and gave  high-fives. He even read parts of his book to one little boy.

"There is an innocence, a sweetness and a beauty contained in a child's spirit that has always been a part of folk music and the PP&M musical narrative," Yarrow said.

"It's Raining, It's Pouring" is based on the lyrics of the classic children's song by Peter, Paul & Mary--a group that consists of Yarrow, Noel “Paul” Stookey and the late Mary Travers. The song was featured on the group's debut album in 1961 and the hardcover book is dedicated to Travers, who died in 2009 due to complications from cancer. 

• "It's Raining, It's Pouring" became one of the most request performance pieces at the dawn of the trio's career with Mary singing, "Five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40" and later in the song, "Anyone round my base is it! Ready or not, here I come!"

• This fall marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic folk trio, Peter, Paul & Mary.

• The song "It's Raining, It's Pouring" appeared on their debut album with nearly 3 million in sales.

• Peter, Paul & Mary's "If I Had a Hammer," became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, and was performed by the trio, along with "Blowing In the Wind," a the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech. 

• Peter Yarrow and Noel "Paul" Stookey continue to perform their music all around the world.

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