Written by
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
One of America's Great Singer/Songwriters has died......?
But how many of you have ever heard of John Stewart, a former member of the late 1950's, early '60's folk group The Kingston Trio? He wrote numerous songs that were recorded by others, perhaps the best-known being the Monkees hit "Daydream Believer." During his career, Stewart recorded some 47 albums and was working on a 48th prior to his death this past weekend. He might be remembered by some for his song "Gold" which made the Top 10 in the 1980's. Stewart was a fantastic talent who will be missed by his many fans, including me. Do you remember him? If not, check out a Stewart album.
And no - this is NOT the Jon Stewart from Comedy Central with the Daily Show!!
the more information I could absorb about anything interesting to me the better. Of course as a little girl in the 60's The Monkees were definitely interesting to me. Hence,my interest in "rock 'n roll". "Daydream Believer" has always been one of those songs which never leave you. It suddenly pops in your head & you can't stop humming it all day long. Now, back in the day, before the internet all we had were books, encyclopedias, magazines, we put forth the effort to LEARN about the Kingston Trio, Elvis, Gladys Knight & the Pips, hell, Billie Holliday, Enrico Caruso!!!! READ KIDS!
Sorry, I segued, John Stewart wrote "Daydream Believer" but left "The Kingston Trio" prior to it's release in 1967. It was a number 1 hit for "The Monkees". It was their last number 1 hit.There have been several as well as eclectic "cover" versions of this song. Anne Murray took it to number 1 again twelve years later in 1979. Two Japanese punk-rock bands took it to number 2 in 1988 & 1989. The Timers and an all girl band Shonen Knife.
"Daydream Believer" was still crossing boundaries in the '90's on "Dawson's Creek" 2nd sountrack...yeah I own that one as well.
Hell, U2 even performed it live at one of their concerts.
This all sounds well and good, but this one song did not define the talent of John Stewart, he recorded over 40 solo albums. He was a master lyricist, he wrote for icons from Rosanne Cash (whom he recorded a duet with) to Joan Baez.
Oh yes, "Gold". He wrote and recorded a duet for one of HIS albums with Stevie Nicks....she was with a band known as Fleetwood Mac.
He passed away this Saturday from an aneurysm at the age of 68.
Personally, "Gold" has always touched my heart.
Farewell to a truly talented, eclectic performer.
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
