Folk singer Peter Yarrow, who co-wrote cult hit “Poof the Magic Dragon,” has died. He was a member of the legendary trio of Peter, Paul and Mary. He was 86 years old.
Yarrow, who had been battling bladder cancer for four years, was announced by his daughter Bethany Yarrow. She remembered him as a creative and passionate artist and a kind and wise man.
The music of the trio Peter, Paul and Mary played an important role in the civil rights and anti-war movements in Vietnam. In 1963, they performed at the March on Washington alongside figures such as Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.
The trio’s most famous songs include: “If I Had a Hammer”, “Blowin’ in the Wind”, “I Dig Rock’n’Roll”, “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, “500 Miles”.
“Our fearless dragon is tired and entering the final chapter of his amazing life. The world knows Peter Yarrow as an iconic grassroots activist, but the man behind this legend is as generous, creative, passionate, funny and wise as his lyrics suggest. , ” the girl wrote.
Currently, the only surviving member of the trio is Noel Paul Stuckey. Earlier, in 2009, Mary Travers passed away. Stuckey cited Yarrow as a kindred spirit in both his personal and musical life.
A shadow in the biography
Accusing a 14-year-old girl overshadowed the musician’s life. Yarrow openly confessed to the crime and expressed regret. He spent three months in prison. In 1981, before the end of his presidency, he was pardoned by Jimmy Carter.
Yarrow is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. His family has requested that donations be made in his memory to the anti-violence campaign he supported.
Main photo: SHAWN THEW/PAP/EPA
