Jan 20
John Stewart Dies
Posted by Slobokan @ 11:01 · 118 words · print
John Stewart, who wrote the Monkees' hit "Daydream Believer" and became a well-known figure in the 1960s folk music revival as a member of The Kingston Trio, has died, according to the band's Web site. He was 68.
Stewart suffered a massive stroke or brain aneurysm and died early Saturday at a San Diego hospital, the band announced on its official Web site.
"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," the announcement said.
…
Stewart's wife Buffy and children were at his side when he died, the Web site said. Plans had not been announced for memorial services.
Posted In: Obituaries
Posted by Alan Butler
January 20, 2008 @ 14:35
Thank's for the memories, John. Rest in peace. Your music will live on and on.
Posted by Ron and Sue Taylor
January 20, 2008 @ 16:47
Sue first took me to a John Stewart concert in September 1974 at Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA just before we married. I had heard the Phoneix Album but little did I know he would perform it live in its entirety. I was blown away and a lifetime fan, seeing John many times in Southern California. He will be missed but I know and believe he now sings with the best.
Posted by Gary Staton
January 20, 2008 @ 18:41
Rest in peace. Thank you for "Mother Country". It has helped me through difficult times"
Posted by Arnie "Widelode"Moore
January 21, 2008 @ 00:35
I had the priveledge of being john's bass player for several years in the 70s, and consider those years and that experience as one very highest points of my musical career.
John took me places I have never been either before or since. He was a "song painter" who found the essence of the American soul.
Posted by Chuck Fink
January 21, 2008 @ 03:05
Wow, I just moments ago learned of John's passing, from a post of the PP&M website. I can hardly believe John is gone. What a great original he was, indeed! What an exceptional songwriter, too! I had the pleasure of seeing him perform several times over the years, and meeting him a few times, as well. He was such a kind man, and very modest about his accomplishments, etc. Do prolific and observant a songwriter, was he. Very recently, maybe a few weeks or so ago, I looked on his site to see if he'd be coming to Cleveland any time soon. He wasn't, and now he won't again. Now, all I'm left with, are great memories of having been in his presence, and having witnessed him at his best, in concert. Got to be grateful for at least that… and I am!
Rest in peace, John.
Posted by John Atkins
January 21, 2008 @ 08:04
U was agent/promoter of many of John's tours of the UK. He could be contrary, difficult to deal with, yet he could charm the birds off the trees, and he could dispay these qualities all at the same time. He was always great to me and my family and we had some wonderful times together. I loved his music and he has left a wonderful legacy of songs, music and memories.
Posted by Joe Wesbrook
January 21, 2008 @ 10:53
"California Bloodlines" was the first album I bought when I came back from overseas in 1970. I made my girlfriend drive around LA until we could find a copy. She thought I was crazy, and I probably was, but it was worth it. One of my all-time favorites. Some of his early songs–"Freeway Pleasure", "Runaway Fool of Love", "Big Joe" I can still remember the words to. Saw him solo several times in coffee house type venues, once with the Trio. Damn. This is a loss. RIP, John. I'll miss you.
Posted by David House
January 21, 2008 @ 11:28
Had the pleasure of meeting John Stewart a couple of times at the old Chuck's Cellar in Los Altos Ca. Also had the pleasure of meeting all the original members of the Kingston Trio thanks to my friend Glen Yarbrough. Most wonderful and kindest people I have ever met.
He was always a kind and warm person and a great performer.
He will be missed very much.
Posted by Hugo Traeger
January 21, 2008 @ 11:56
John Stewart was a hero to me. A musical icon that transcends The Kingston Trio, Daydream Believer and California Bloodlines. I first saw him many years ago as a member of the Kingston Trio and last saw him about 3 years ago at a packed club full of adoring fans in San Jose, CA. I am deeply saddened.
Much seems to be written about his songwriting which of course was fantastic. But his voice was magnificent. The voice of America.
Posted by Joe Ray
January 21, 2008 @ 12:06
I followed John from his Kingston Trio days all the way through until his untimely death on Saturday. His body of music is not only extensive, but contains more meaningful and insightful than almost any other artist I can name. In the mid 80's, I had the pleasure of arranging for John, and Dave to play a concert in Birmingham, AL. After the show, they came to my home, entertaining us all with stories and videos John made of Route 66. John sitting on the sofa, playing old Elvis songs on my guitar was a memory I'll forever hold dear. As John sang in "Kansas Rain".."Day by day, one by one, we fall like candles in the sun." John's candle gave the sun a run for the money. We will never forget you, Lonesome Picker.
Posted by John Rahiya
January 21, 2008 @ 13:06
It was John's voice that was magic. Coupled with his song writing and stage presence, he was the complete package. But it was the voice, that unmistakable, penetrating voice.
Heartfelt symphathy to John's family.
Posted by mark schneider
January 21, 2008 @ 16:53
My brothers, John , Steve and I go all the way back with John Stewert to his Kingston Trio album, "The New Frontier". In those days, when our world was young, John Stewert captured the vision and vitality of the Kennedy years. All three Johns are gone now and the emptiness of that cumulative loss is distilled by the richness and harmony of the music they made. My brothers and I sang every song that John Stewert did for the Trio, followed him closely in the post-Trio years, and tossed back a few beers– and not a few tears–when he reprized his earlier Trio work in a hauntingly bittersweet voice that enriched the songs through the wisdom of age. Go where those chilly winds don't blow, John.
Posted by Cheri Pyle
January 21, 2008 @ 17:34
Hey, Arnie! Remember the night at The Cellar, during Daydream Believer when John said, "Wipe the sleep out of YOUR eyes."??? You both broke up and John was grossed out, and even though you re-started the song, it just wouldn't work. You both kept breaking up. I regret that I didn't take you up on the offer to come and party at the hotel. John's music and poetry will always be part of my memories of the really good ole days. He had a presence about him that made you want to have him as part of your life. I miss him and hope he continues to grow as a free spirit.
Cheri
Posted by Kevin Roberts
January 21, 2008 @ 17:55
I will broadcast two hours of John's music on Thursday January 24th 8PM Eastern time to 10 PM on WRPI-FM 91.5 (Troy, NY) online at http://www.wrpi.org
Posted by Diane Selmi
January 22, 2008 @ 18:49
I first saw John Stewart perform in 1968 (or so) at the Lions Share in Sausalito with Buffy Ford. When he went back, so did I, hooked forever. I never saw him with the Kingston Trio, but I heard him sing in Marshall and many, many years later at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley. In between I bought his records and followed his career. He never knew me, but in my own way, I was very connected. I am very saddened at his death.
Posted by Bill Locklin
January 28, 2008 @ 16:07
About 1974, driving home from my office, I heard "July" for the first time on my car radio. I headed for the nearest record store – I think in Redondo Beach – and bought the Phoenix album. Listened to it over and over that evening. Called his agent the next day and heard about his concert – I thought it was at Santa Monica Civic, but might have been at UCLA – and went that next weekend where he performed the entire Phoenix album. Saw him at McCabe's in Santa Monica when my wife was pregnant with our 1st son. Saw him most recently in Scottsdale about 2-3 years ago. Our son, now age 26 had to listen to me breaking down on the phone while listening to the tribute on XM radio this past Saturday. I had to explain to him that it wasn't just John's passing that had me in a funk, but how his songs always bring back loads of memories. Will miss him greatly.
Posted by Carole Le Beau
January 31, 2008 @ 00:15
I saw John at several Phoenix concerts in the 1970's. He was my hero and I will miss him every day.
I also admired the way he lived his life. He was my inspiration.
Rest in Peace, John
Posted by Slobokan’s Site O’ Schtuff : Checkin The Stats - February 2008
March 9, 2008 @ 23:35
[...] Obama Supports Legalized Marijuana Murderer Of Robert Stethem Set Free David Groh Dies* John Stewart Dies Attention [...]