Peter Yarrow of folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary dies at 86

Folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary – Mary Travers, Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow (Lennox McLendon/AP)

Peter Yarrow, the singer-songwriter best known as one third of Peter, Paul and Mary, the folk music trio whose impassioned harmonies transfixed millions as they lifted their voices in favour of civil rights and against war, has died. He was 86.

Yarrow, who also co-wrote the group’s most enduring song, Puff The Magic Dragon, died on Tuesday in New York, publicist Ken Sunshine said. Yarrow had been battling bladder cancer for the past four years.