John Stewart, arguably the greatest American songwriter since Wood Guthrie, left us one year ago. During his life, he wrote more than six hundred songs about America from the viewpoint of the “wingless angels,” those who drove the trucks and did the jobs that kept the country alive. He’s best known for being a member of the Kingston Trio (1961–1967).
The Trio were a nightclub act who performed at places like the hungry i, Sahara Tahoe, etc. If you are interested in hearing what they sounded like live, try Once Upon a Time. You can find that album and others, here.
Here’s I’m Goin’ Home sung by Nick Reynolds1, Bob Shane, John Stewart.
As great as the Kingston Trio were (and they were great), he was much more than that. You can hear a little of what I mean here. His songs were recorded by The Monkees (Daydream Believer), Rosanne Cash (Runaway Train), Nanci Griffith, Joan Baez, The Beat Farmers, The Four Tops and others.
1Nick Reynolds also passed from our midst in 2008