Yarrow had been treated for bladder cancer in the past 4 years. He co-wrote "Puff, the Magic Dragon", had 2 Number One albums and won 5 Grammys with Peter, Paul and Mary. The trio sang John Denver's song , "Leaving On a Jet Plane", which was a Number One hit.
Yarrow was convicted of abusing a 14 year old girl in 1970. He admitted guilt during a criminal case, was sentenced to 1-3 years and served less than 3 months. He settled a civil case with the girl's family. Yarrow says it was " the most terrible mistake "he made. Read more about Yarrow and his career here.
President Carter pardoned him in 1981.