Peter Yarrow, the celebrated folk musician and one-third of the iconic trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, has died at the age of 86 due to complications from bladder cancer. His passing, confirmed by publicist Ken Sunshine, marks the end of an era for an artist who significantly influenced the folk music landscape.

Yarrow's most famous contribution to music, "Puff, the Magic Dragon," co-written with Leonard Lipton, became emblematic of his creativity and storytelling prowess. He and his bandmates, Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, rose to fame in the 1960s with their unique harmonies and poignant lyrics that often addressed social and political issues, including civil rights and anti-war protests. His daughter, Bethany Yarrow, expressed a touching tribute stating, "Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life." (source: VOA News)

The trio was noted for their pivotal role in bringing Bob Dylan's songs to a wider audience, with their rendition of "Blowin' in the Wind" reaching the U.S. Top 10 and serving as a powerful anthem for civil rights. They performed this influential piece during the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Yarrow's journey in music began in New York City's Greenwich Village during the folk revival. After finishing his education at Cornell University, where he discovered his passion for music, he teamed up with Stookey and Travers to create a group aimed at merging folk traditions with modern sensibilities. Their debut album, released in 1962, quickly became a sensation, cementing their place in music history with hits like "If I Had a Hammer." (source: The Guardian)

Despite the success, Yarrow's life was not without controversy. In 1970, he faced legal troubles after being convicted of sexually molesting a 14-year-old girl, serving three months in prison. He was subsequently pardoned by President Jimmy Carter in 1981. Throughout the years, he expressed remorse for his past actions and sought to make amends.

After the group initially disbanded in 1970, Yarrow continued to be active in music, creating solo albums and contributing to social causes until the group reunited in 1981. They became known for their ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts, including combating bullying through Operation Respect.

Yarrow was more than just a musician; he was a voice for change, writing songs that called for justice and peace, including tracks like "Light One Candle." He continued to perform and record music, most notably collaborating with his daughter Bethany in later years to introduce a new generation to his beloved tunes.

Surviving Yarrow are his wife Mary Beth McCarthy, their children Christopher and Bethany, and granddaughter Valentina. His life and legacy remain a testament to the enduring power of music as a vehicle for change, and his impact on folk music and activism will not soon be forgotten.

For more details, read the full articles on VOA News and The Guardian.