John Stewart | Artist

John Stewart was an American songwriter and singer born 1939 in San Diego, California. He is known for his contributions to the American folk music movement of the 1960s while with the Kingston Trio and as a popular music songwriter. Stewart had a high school garage band Johnny Stewart and the Furies which was Influenced by Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. The Furies toured southern California colleges and coffee houses, releasing one single, "Rockin' Anna," which was a minor, regional hit. Stewart then formed the Cumberland Three, a group modelled on The Kingston Trio. The Cumberland Three released three albums, including the two-LP set Songs From the Civil War. Stewart left the group in 1961 to join the Kingston Trio, replacing founding member Dave Guard. Stewart, Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane recorded a dozen albums together, taking the music of the Trio into new directions, with original material and covers of songs by relative newcomers Tom Paxton, Mason Williams and Gordon Lightfoot. In 1967 the Kingston Trio decided to disband and Stewart continued to write songs and record for Capitol, while touring as a solo act. It was during this time that he composed the hit song "Daydream Believer" for the Monkees. Stewart went on to forge a successful solo career and released a total of 25 studio albums. His second album California Bloodlines, from 1969 is regarded as a classic, and a forerunner of the 'Americana' style of music. Other standout albums include The Lonesome Picker Rides Again, Punch the Big Guy and The Phoenix Concerts: Live.

Artist Website: wikipedia/John_Stewart

Featured Albums: John Stewart

Related Artists: The Kingston Trio, The Monkees