On January 20th, 2008 John Stewart of the Kingston Trio passed away. He was 68 years old. John became a well known figure in the 1960’s folk music revival as a member of the Kingston Trio.
John recorded 13 albums as a member of The Kingston Trio, but his biggest success was “Daydream Believer,” a song he wrote but didn’t record. It was a number 1 hit for the Monkees in 1967 and went to number 12 for Anne Murray in 1980. John died a day after suffering a massive stroke or brain aneuysm.
The Kingston Trio web site announced that, “The world has lost one of its best men, but a man who lived well and made many people happy with his love, his wit, and his music!” (see link below)
Stewart joined The Kingston Trio in 1961, three years after the band released its verison of an old folk song, “Tom Dooley,” that went on to become a hit. Stewart replaced the band’s founder Dave Guard, who had left to pursue a new musical direction. After the band disbanded in 1967, Stewart went on to an acclaimed solo career that included recording more than 40 albums. John’s wife Buffy and children were at his side when he died. Memorial services, at this time, have not been announced.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family and friends. God bless!