Songwriter John Stewart of the Kingston Trio Dies at 68
On 01-21-2008
at 6:45 pm
We regret to report that songwriter John Stewart passed away in San Diego on January 19th after suffering a brain aneurism. Stewart first gained recognition in 1961 when he replaced Dave Guard as a member of the Kingston Trio, a folk music outfit with which he performed until 1967. Shortly after he left the Trio, Stewart came to prominence as a songwriter when the Monkees’ recording of his song “Daydream Believer” became a number one hit.
Stewart went on to receive critical acclaim as a solo artist in his own right — seven of his solo albums, most notably California Bloodlines (1969) and Bombs Away Dream Babies (1979), made it onto the charts. On the latter album, the song “Gold,” recorded with guest artists Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, was Stewart’s most successful single as a solo artist, charting at number five. It was Stewart’s songwriting, however, that brought him the most praise. Years after the commercial success of the Monkees’ “Daydream Believer,” his songs were still being cut by numerous artists, including Rosanne Cash, Eddy Arnold, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, and Anne Murray.
Stewart will be sorely missed by the music business community in which he thrived throughout his long career. Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees said of the passing legend, “He was a lovely man and a very gentle soul and I guess the only thing you can say today is that the world is less on great songwriter.” Stewart is survived by his wife, Buffy, three children from his first marriage, one child from his second marriage, and six grandchildren.
That’s sad news. He is a long time favorite of my fathers and through that I became a fan as well. So many great songs that he wrote and played.
Got to see him perform once and am glad for it.
Safe travels John, thanks for the music.