Peter Yarrow, the beloved American folk singer who co-wrote the enduring classic “Puff the Magic Dragon” and rose to fame as a founding member of the iconic 1960s trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on Tuesday in New York City. He was 86.
According to publicist Ken Sunshine, Yarrow’s death followed a long struggle with bladder cancer. “Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life,” said his daughter, Bethany Yarrow, in a heartfelt statement. “The world knows Peter Yarrow, the iconic folk activist, but the human being behind the legend is every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest.”
Yarrow’s passing comes nearly two decades after the 2009 death of his bandmate Mary Travers, who was 72 at the time. This leaves Noel Paul Stookey, 87, as the last surviving member of Peter, Paul and Mary. The trio was instrumental in shaping the soundtrack of the civil rights movement, famously championing social justice and unity through their music.
Among their many influential tunes, Yarrow co-wrote the group’s most enduring anthem, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” based on a poem by the late Lenny Lipton. Though often perceived as a children’s song, it resonated with audiences of all ages and became a staple of American folk music. The group’s other hits, including “Blowin’ in the Wind” (written by Bob Dylan) and “If I Had a Hammer” (originally by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays), further solidified their position at the forefront of the 1960s folk revival.
Stookey reflected on his longtime friendship with Yarrow, noting that as an only child, he “never knew what it was like to have a brother” until meeting Peter. The pair served as best men at each other’s weddings, and Yarrow became a beloved “uncle” to Stookey’s daughters. “Our different perspectives were celebrated often in our friendship and music,” Stookey said. “I was five months older than Peter, who became my creative, irrepressible, spontaneous, and musical younger brother.”
Beyond his contributions to folk music, Yarrow was also deeply involved in various social causes. He co-founded Operation Respect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting anti-bullying and teaching tolerance through music and education. His lifelong commitment to peace and justice earned him admiration from fans and fellow activists alike.
Yarrow is survived by his wife, Marybeth, his son Christopher, his daughter Bethany, and his granddaughter Valentina.