Peter, Paul and Mary’s Noel Stookey Explains Why He Started Going by ‘Paul,’ Never Expected It to Follow Him 65 Years Later

**Noel Stookey Reflects on the Enduring Legacy of Peter, Paul and Mary**

Noel Stookey, better known as Paul Stookey, recently opened up about his musical journey and the lasting impact of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. An integral part of the band that captivated audiences for decades, Stookey is now the sole surviving member following the passing of his bandmates, Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers.

Stookey, who is now 88, explained that he chose to adopt his middle name, Paul, when the group formed in the early 1960s. This decision was made to create harmony with the names of his fellow musicians, Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers. Little did Stookey know that this choice would result in him being referred to as ‘Paul’ for many years to come. In an interview with *Rolling Stone*, he shared that many fans are unaware of his real name, Noel, and he has come to recognise how people address him as a gauge of their familiarity with his life.

The origins of Peter, Paul and Mary lie in Greenwich Village, a vibrant hub for artists and musicians during the 1960s, where the trio first crossed paths. Initially, Stookey was hesitant to join the group, preferring to focus on his solo career. However, a chance encounter with Travers led him to reconsider, as she invited him to sing with her and Yarrow. Despite initial difficulties in harmonising, the three soon found common ground and decided to formalise their collaboration into a trio.

The unique sound that Peter, Paul and Mary created resonated with audiences, and they quickly became known for their folk classics, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and “500 Miles.” Their music touched on themes ranging from childhood innocence to social consciousness, encapsulating the spirit of a transformative era in American history. The trio first gained national recognition in 1961, and their popularity soared during the 1960s and beyond.

Stookey reminisced about the early days of the band, recalling how they struggled to agree on arrangements even for well-known folk songs. Their contrasting interpretations of traditional melodies often meant that they could only successfully perform nursery rhymes like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” in three-part harmony, a testament to their individual styles merging into a cohesive sound.

Although Peter, Paul and Mary disbanded for the first time in 1970, they reunited several times over the following decades, re-engaging their audience with a combination of nostalgic hits and fresh material. Their musical reunions, beginning in 1972 and extending into the late 1980s, continued to endear them to fans of all ages. Tragically, the band lost Mary Travers in 2009, marking the end of an era for the beloved trio.

Reflecting on his longevity in the music industry, Stookey expressed gratitude for the friendships and connections he forged throughout his career. His legacy, intertwined with that of his former bandmates, has left a prominent mark in the folk music landscape. Even after all these years, he remains active in music and continues to commemorate the band’s achievements.

Looking ahead, Stookey has plans to carry the torch of Peter, Paul and Mary by maintaining their message of love, unity, and social awareness in his future endeavours. Despite the absence of his bandmates, the essence of what they created together carries on, reminding fans of the enduring power of music to connect people across generations.

In a world that increasingly grapples with division, Stookey’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the special role that music can play in fostering understanding and unity—a theme that was a hallmark of Peter, Paul and Mary’s legacy.