A Life of Music, Activism, and Complexity

Yarrow’s songwriting talent was undeniable. He co-wrote Puff the Magic Dragon with Leonard Lipton—a gentle, timeless ballad that became an intergenerational classic. His songs The Great Mandala and Day Is Done showcased his lyrical depth, often weaving together themes of peace, justice, and humanity.

Beyond music, Yarrow was a passionate activist. He stood on the front lines of major social movements, including the 1963 March on Washington, where the trio performed moments before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Yarrow also became a prominent voice against the Vietnam War and supported numerous humanitarian efforts throughout his life.

Even after the group disbanded in 1970, the trio reunited over the years for concerts and charitable causes, continuing to influence new generations. Yarrow also branched into solo work, releasing albums and developing children’s music projects—most notably the Puff the Magic Dragon picture books.

In 1999, he founded Operation Respect, a nonprofit dedicated to anti-bullying programs and social-emotional learning in schools—an effort that became one of the defining missions of his later life.

However, Yarrow’s legacy was not without controversy. In 1970, he served three months in prison for “taking indecent liberties with a minor” after a 14-year-old girl seeking an autograph entered his hotel room. According to The Guardian, he answered the door nude and forced her into sexual contact. President Jimmy Carter later granted Yarrow a presidential pardon in 1981.

Peter Yarrow leaves behind a complex legacy—one marked by groundbreaking music, tireless activism, and deep contradictions. His contributions to the American folk movement will endure, even as the full truth of his life remains part of the historical record.