Fox News:
What’s the story behind “Puff the Magic Dragon”? There are many theories that still exist about that song.
Stookey:
I think that poor Puff was a victim of his times for a bit *laughs*. When Peter wrote the additional verses, it was obviously about this little boy who had grown up and no longer believed in Puff. It was about a boy coming of age. But the times in which the song was released gave you a window of interpretation.
Peter went on stations and gave examples of how “The Star-Spangled Banner” could even be interpreted as a song about drugs. But unfortunately, it didn’t stop the rumor. And in some ways, it crippled sales. I believe it was either Hong Kong, Shanghai or Singapore, but they refused to play it because they felt it was about drugs. But it wasn’t and it never was. But the song still brings people joy.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/noel-paul-stookey-of-peter-paul-and-mary-just-causes
Another intersting anecdote from the Fox article...
Fox News:
What’s one memory from your time with Peter and Mary that still makes you smile whenever you think about it?
Stookey:
That’s funny. If you hadn’t included the word “smile,” of course, I probably would have said the March on Washington and standing with Dr. King when he gave us the “I Have a Dream” speech. But the memory I have, the one that gives me the biggest smile, was when the three of us dressed formally following a celebration of John F. Kennedy’s second year as president.
We headed for a party at Lyndon Johnson’s house, the vice president. Carol Burnett was there dancing. The president was singing along arm-in-arm with Gene Kelly who also did some tap dancing for us. Jacqueline Kennedy was flirty with Yves Montand. And the president was very personable. But the smile comes from being in the backseat of the limo that was going about 60 miles an hour through D.C. neighborhoods behind police escort. I mean, what were these three kids doing in this limo? So that was a fun moment for all of us.
I remember the president graciously came over to each of the performers to thank us personally. I remember he asked, “What was the name of that song you sang when everybody applauded? They seem to know the lyrics and wanted to sing along as well.” The song was “If I Had a Hammer.” Well, Peter tried to explain that the song was popular and it was released as a single. Then he tried to describe what a 45 was. The president just smiled and said, “Yes, yes, I know what a 45 is. I just don’t get much of a chance to listen to the radio while driving to work anymore.” It was a beautiful moment.