Peter Yarrow, Member of Iconic Folk Group, Passes Away – Tribute to a Legend
It is with sadness that we share the news of Peter Yarrow’s passing at the age of 86. The singer-songwriter, best known for his time in the iconic folk group Peter, Paul & Mary, passed away at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Yarrow had been battling bladder cancer for the past four years, as confirmed by his publicist, Ken Sunshine.
Peter, Paul, and Mary were celebrated for their intricate harmonies, with Yarrow’s tenor voice blending beautifully with Noel Paul Stookey’s baritone and Mary Travers’ contralto. One of their most beloved hits, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” sung by Yarrow, reached No. 2 on the Billboard singles chart. Throughout their career, the group released five Billboard Top 10 albums and hit No. 1 in 1969 with their cover of John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane.”
In 1970, Yarrow faced legal troubles, being convicted of molesting a 14-year-old girl and serving three months in prison. However, he was later granted a presidential pardon by Jimmy Carter. Yarrow’s legacy as a musician and member of Peter, Paul & Mary will always be remembered in the world of music.