Controversial 60s folk legend who wrote Puff The Magic Dragon and always denied its meaning is dead at 86

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Eighty-six-year-old Peter Yarrow, a member of the renowned 1960s folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary, famous for their hit song “Puff The Magic Dragon,” has passed away.

The well-known yet contentious musician lost his life following a four-year struggle with bladder cancer, according to his representative’s confirmation.

For a number of years, he was known as the main singer on the popular 1960s song “Puff the Magic Dragon,” despite rumors that it was actually about drugs. However, he consistently refuted these claims.

Yarrow firmly asserts that the song isn’t centered on substance use, instead insisting its true intent revolves around the challenges faced during childhood.

Previously, the musician stated that the song lacked any hidden significance beyond its apparent theme, and it symbolizes the loss of childhood purity.

In addition, Yarrow found himself amidst controversy due to a 1969 event that led to his imprisonment for three months. The incident involved two young girls, aged 14 and 17, who visited his hotel in search of an autograph. Surprisingly, he opened the door to them while he was not dressed.

Former president Jimmy Carter pardoned Yarrow in 1981. 

Apart from Peter, the duo in Peter, Paul, and Mary consisted of Paul Stookey on guitar and baritone vocals, and Mary Travers contributing with her contralto vocals.

In addition to Peter, there were two other members – Paul Stookey playing guitar and delivering baritone tunes, as well as Mary Travers lending her contralto voice to the group.

Now, only Stookey remains among the original members, as Mary Travers passed away in 2009, aged 72, after a long struggle with leukemia.

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2025-01-07 21:05