A folk song is musical story telling - at it's finest, it is simple and honest.  The Kingston Trio I grew up on were masters of the art.   With straight forward deliverance, string instruments, and pure rich voices they told me the tales from around the world.  My brother introduced me them in the late 1950's and I still love the music they created.  My friend, Debbie, and I would sing along to the albums and I can still sing many of the songs I learned then.  In 1963 I was lucky enough to see the Trio in a Las Vegas show.  They were very fun-loving in concert and that evening remains a highlight of my growing up years.

Dave Guard, Bob Shane, and Nick Reynolds formed the original Kingston Trio in 1957 and recorded their first album for Capital in 1958.  Their first success was at the Purple Onion and the recording of "Tom Dooley" made them famous.  In 1961, Dave Guard decided to leave the group due to disagreements of the course of their musical style.  He wished to follow more serious, traditional folk music.  John Stewart joined the Trio and they continued to make successful recordings, including "Reverend Mr. Black" which was second in sales to "Tom Dooley".

The group was disbanded in 1967 as John Stewart left to pursue his successful single career and Nick Reynolds wanted a break.  Since then, there have other re-organizations, with the current group of Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds, and George Groves still touring.  Their musical influence has been felt by such diverse artists as Lindsey Buckingham, The Beach Boys, and the Manhattan Transfer.  They remain a touchstone for me not just for the quality of what they produced, but the joy with which it was done.

As an ironic twist of fate, I was warned that I would remember only strange little things when I was in the twilight sleep for dental surgery.  That thing that most sticks in my mind was hearing the dentist discuss the death of Dave Guard.   His assistant had never heard of him, and I remember wanting to tell her how great his music was and how much I would miss him.  The Trio's filmed 1982 Reunion Concert with Dave was our last chance to see them perform together.  It was the very best of sentimental journeys.  It has just come out on DVD!! 

I wish that all their albums were available.  I have listed some below that I have been able to find on CD.  It's a challenge, as most stores only stock their greatest hits albums.