Some Lonesome Picker: The Music of John Stewart

The son of a Southern California horse trainer, John Stewart was a gifted musician who spread his talents across many genres. He grew up idolizing Elvis Presley. But along came the Kingston Trio and by age 20, Stewart became the Trio's fourth member when Dave Guard left the highly popular group. Stewart and his future wife, Buffy Ford, joined Robert Kennedy's presidential compaign, only to have it cut short when an assassin's bullet took down Kennedy. Shortly, Stewart's classic solo album, California Bloodlines, came out to critical acclaim. His music was an eclectic blend of folk and country, with an occasional dash of rock tossed in. His sound became known as "Americana." He sang of common folks and common places, historical events as well as current. Stewart scored top hits as a member of the Kingston Trio and as a solo artist. He composed the Monkees' number one pop hit, "Daydream Believer," and Rosanne Cash's number one country hit, "Runaway Train." No slouch at rock, Stewart's recording of "Gold" became number five on the pop charts. Its accompanying LP reached number ten. Themes in his more than 650 songs varied widely. He sang of "Omaha Rainbows," "Missouri Birds," "Chilly Winds," gypsy girls named Shannon, driving race horses stone blind, his beloved "Mother Country," a loner named "Willard," a "Lonesome Picker," and countless more memorable tunes. Yet, he is unknown to many outside the music industry.

Dreamer, poet, social narrator, and legendary singer/musician, John Coburn Stewart - the "Lonesome Picker."