Peter Yarrow, the singer-songwriter renowned as a member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86.
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Peter Yarrow, the singer-songwriter renowned as a member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86.
Peter Yarrow, the beloved singer-songwriter and member of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86. Known for his activism and timeless music, Yarrow’s family paid tribute to their "fearless dragon," a nod to the iconic song *Puff, the Magic Dragon* that he co-wrote and performed with the group.
Yarrow, along with his bandmates Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, achieved immense success in the 1960s, becoming symbols of the civil rights and anti-war movements. Their hits included *Puff, the Magic Dragon*, *If I Had a Hammer*, and *Where Have All the Flowers Gone?* The trio also helped popularize Bob Dylan’s music, notably performing *Blowin’ in the Wind* at the historic 1963 March on Washington where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.
class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Diagnosed with bladder cancer four years ago, Yarrow passed away in New York on Tuesday, as confirmed by his publicist, Ken Sunshine. His daughter, Bethany, shared a heartfelt statement:
"Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life. The world knows Peter Yarrow, the iconic folk activist, but the human being behind the legend was every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest."
Peter, Paul and Mary enjoyed a remarkable career, with six Billboard Top 10 singles, two No. 1 albums, and five Grammy Awards. Their most famous song, *Puff, the Magic Dragon*, was inspired by a poem written by Leonard Lipton and tells the bittersweet story of a boy who outgrows his imaginary dragon friend. Despite persistent rumors, Yarrow repeatedly clarified that the song was not about drug use but rather the loss of childhood innocence.
Yarrow also played a key role in the infamous 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where Bob Dylan was controversially booed for performing with a rock band. As a member of the festival board and emcee of the event, Yarrow urged Dylan to return to the stage, leading to a memorable acoustic performance of *It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue*.
This pivotal moment is depicted in the 2024 biopic *A Complete Unknown*, starring Timothée Chalamet, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Dylan.
Peter Yarrow leaves behind a legacy of music, activism, and compassion that continues to inspire generations.
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