Noel Paul Stookey (born December 30, 1937) is an American singer-songwriter and performer who gained wide recognition as "Paul" in the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. He adopted the stage name Paul for the group while keeping Noel as his personal name. Stookey's career spans several decades of recordings, concerts and public appearances that blend music, storytelling and social engagement. For biographical overview see Noel Paul Stookey.
Role in Peter, Paul and Mary
Peter, Paul and Mary formed in the early 1960s amid the American folk revival. The trio—Peter Yarrow, Mary Travers and Paul Stookey—brought traditional and contemporary folk songs to mainstream audiences and helped popularize material by contemporary writers. The group is associated with a string of memorable recordings and with public performances that often addressed civil rights and peace issues. For more on the ensemble, see Peter, Paul and Mary.
Musical style and notable works
Stookey is valued for his warm baritone, acoustic guitar work, and an ability to blend humor with earnestness in live performances. As a songwriter he is best known for "The Wedding Song (There Is Love)", a composition that has become a standard at marriage ceremonies. He has recorded solo albums and performed concerts focused on both new material and the folk repertoire.
Activism and public life
Throughout his career Stookey has combined music with activism. During the 1960s the trio performed at events and benefits connected with the civil rights movement and other social causes; Stookey has continued to support humanitarian, peace and education efforts. He has often used concerts and workshops as platforms for community outreach, reflecting the folk tradition of music with a social mission.
Solo career, collaborations and legacy
After the trio's initial period of popularity, Stookey pursued solo work, toured widely, and authored material for performance and worship settings. He occasionally reunites on stage with Peter Yarrow for concerts and special appearances, maintaining ties to the group's legacy while sustaining an individual career. See collaborations and recent appearances at Peter Yarrow / collaborations.
Notable facts
- Full name: Noel Paul Stookey; stage credit in the trio: Paul.
- Wrote a widely used ceremony song, "The Wedding Song (There Is Love)."
- Active in the folk revival and associated social movements of the 1960s.
- Performs as a solo artist and occasionally with former bandmates.
Stookey's career illustrates how popular folk music in the 20th century could bridge entertainment, personal expression and civic engagement. His recordings and performances continue to be part of the folk canon and remain of interest to audiences who value acoustic songwriting and socially conscious music.