Peter Yarrow, folks hero and songwriter who wrote “Puff the Magic Dragon,” handed away on Tuesday, January 7. He was 86 years previous, in line with the Related Press. “Our fearless dragon is drained and has entered the final chapter of his magnificent life,” his daughter Bethany mentioned in an announcement. “The world is aware of Peter Yarrow the long-lasting folks activist, however the human being behind the legend is each bit as beneficiant, inventive, passionate, playful, and smart as his lyrics counsel.”
Peter left behind a powerful musical legacy and a household, as effectively. Learn on to study 5 issues concerning the singer/songwriter.
He Was 1/3 of an Iconic Trio
Yarrow was 1/3 of the legendary folks trio Peter, Paul, and Mary. He fashioned the group with Mary Travers and Noel Paul Stookey, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1962. It hit primary on the Billboard 200 that yr. Their adaptions of Bob Dylan songs “Blowin within the Wind” and “Don’t Suppose Twice, It’s Alright” would change into Billboard to 10 hits and put Dylan on the map. Their run within the music trade was spectacular. Main a veritable folks music awakening within the 60s, they produced two primary albums, six Billboard Prime 10 singles, and received 5 prestigious Grammy Awards.
Yarrow was preceded in dying by Travers, leaving Stookey because the group’s solely surviving member.
Peter Yarrow Was an Activist
Per Wikipedia, Yarrow was an activist, embracing causes together with college anti-bullying packages and lively opposition to the Vietnam Struggle. With Peter, Paul and Mary, he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963, and appeared at Vietnam protests. For his or her efforts, in line with the New York Instances, they acquired dying threats.
He Battled Most cancers
In response to the A.P, Yarrow’s publicist, Ken Sunshine, confirmed that he’d handed away in New York after a four-year lengthy battle with bladder most cancers. He added {that a} memorial date can be introduced at a later date.
Peter Yarrow Was Married Twice
The “Puff the Magic Dragon” songwriter married Mary Beth McCarthy, niece of Democratic presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy, in October of 1969. She was 20 years on the time, in line with the Washington Put up, and he was 31. They later divorced, however per the Guardian, they remarried in 2022.
Peter Was a Father
Alongside along with his spouse, Peter welcomed two kids — son Christopher and daughter Bethany. He additionally had one granddaughter, Valentina, in line with CNN.
