John Stewart dies

[fezo]

Phoenix Concerts is a great place to start if you don't know John's work. You get a really good version of July You're a Woman and the best version of Oldest Living Son that there is to be had. A ton of other great tunes as well. One of the best live recording you'll find.

If they ever announce a service I will be sorely tempted to go even though it's a continent away.

[BILLW]

My condolences to all touched by his passing.

Bill

[RM]

I was perusing through the Bloodlines digest to commiserate with those who feel a great loss with Stewart's passing. A Richard Gonzalez included this tidbit in his recollections :

"Or when we got talking about obituaries one day. My apologies to Gordon
Lightfoot fans here, but at the time Gordon was reported to be quite ill, so we
got into quite the argument about whether his obituary headline would read
"Wrote Early Morning Rain" or "Wrote Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." John said
that it's weird to know exactly what your own will read--"Member of Kingston
Trio/Wrote Daydream Believer." But being John he then kept coming up with ever
more bizarre obit headlines, like "Discovered Titanium; Never Wore Underwear."
"Invented Baths/Hated Chinese Food." You get the picture. "

[Jesse Joe]

This is very interesting, imagine reading your own obit.

[The Rez]

Hang on, I'll get round to it . . .

When Elvis died, I went to the gig that night and pounded that Ol' Piana for all
she was worth. A whole night of Elvis - and never ran outta tunes.

When Brother Ray passed, I did the same thing. That night I broke two Ol' Piana *bass* strings. A whole night of Brother Ray - and never ran outta tunes.

Being Caregiver for Mama, when John went Home I didn't have a gig to go or an
Ol' Piana to pound. So, I took my Ol' 69 Ovation steel string outside for about
3hrs of Backyard Buskin' - and never ran outta tunes. [busted 5 outta 6 strings]

My way ain't your way [and the other way round] when Grievin' Time comes.
For me, it was Holy Damn to end up w/ bloodied fingers and the voice of
Froggy the Gremlin.

OK, I'm round to it . . .

My friends, we sent Truckloads of Pixie Dust; Good Vibes; and Arrow Prayers;
in Hope-Beyond-Hope for John's healing. The Healing came - The River Sang.
Not in the way we would have chosen - but it came, sure as your born.
Our Hearts were Heard.

You see, John no longer has Alzheimer's Disease; he no longer is plagued by
That Awful Thing that would have taken him from us w/o taking him from us;
and the other maladies that were taking their toll. Not *out of his misery* - *Healed* [same-same Elvis & Brother Ray]

The Tall Man is standing whole once again. That is my Belief. Not wish . . .
wishes are fleeting. But Hope - Hope is Rock Solid. Johnny Moonlight has been granted the ultimate Reason to Rise.

Grieve as you need - I'll grieve as I must. But, when Grievin' Time is thru, turn it up to 10 and blow the walls outta the place - and come away w/ bloodied fingers and
a Froggy the Gremlin voice.

Think New Orleans; the flouncing white handkerchieves; the tassled umbrellas; the Brass Band; "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" - and then turn round. Give a Tip-o-the-Topper; and commence to Dance down the Boulevard:

As The Saints Go Marchin' In [drum's too close, drum's too close]

Blessed Peace,

Rex

He died like The Eagle - Facing the Sun
[Isaiah 40:31]

[The Rez]

YouTube - Kingston Trio Member John Stewart

YouTube - the memory of John Stewart

Have a Listen, Dear Hearts and Gentle People

Rez

. . . for the Love of it All

[Jesse Joe]

Very beautiful Rez Thank you for sharing these videos.

[Jesse Joe]

YouTube - Early Morning Rain - The Kingston Trio

[RM]

Thanks Rez,

The "the memory of John Stewart" video is absolutely gorgeous. I guess I'll have to call the plumber back in to take care of these dripping tear ducts.

[Bill]

I'm sad to hear this. Always have loved "Runaway Train" and "Armstrong" among many others.

[imported_Next_Saturday]

Originally Posted by RM

"Or when we got talking about obituaries one day. My apologies to Gordon
Lightfoot fans here, but at the time Gordon was reported to be quite ill, so we
got into quite the argument about whether his obituary headline would read
"Wrote Early Morning Rain" or "Wrote Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." John said
that it's weird to know exactly what your own will read--"Member of Kingston
Trio/Wrote Daydream Believer." But being John he then kept coming up with ever
more bizarre obit headlines, like "Discovered Titanium; Never Wore Underwear."
"Invented Baths/Hated Chinese Food." You get the picture. "

Maybe when the time comes Gord's headline will be "Wore Polka-dot Underwear" or
"The Guy Who Do-Si-Do'd Instead of Allemande Left'ed"

[The Rez]

A memorial was held recently in San Diego for John. Private, to avoid any press, only about 100 invited folks were there - Lindsay Buckinham among them. Burial followed on Coronado Island, where wife Buffy and John spent his last earth-night - w/ Kingston Trio mate Nick Reynolds.

On May 3rd, at Pepperdine University in Malibu, a tribute to John will be held in the Smothers Theater on campus. Music and musicians are still in the planning stages, but rest assured it will be jubilant . . . thru tears. All are welcome.

"For my heart is both laughing and crying these days. Oh, Virginia, take me away"

Blessings,

Rez

[The Rez]

Dear Hearts and Gentle People,

I've waited until tonight - 40years from when Bobby was cut down
to post of John's Tribute Memorial at Pepperdine in Malibu on 3May08

John and wife Buffy sang with Bobby on the back of Trains across
certain parts of The Land. Bobby was a part of John and John a
part of Bobby - as each sang of America

Bobby's son Max spoke at length of his father and John.
Precious Memories, how they Linger - and Touch my Soul

Took a time to process it all. Still at it. When Gord is called Home,
it'll be likewise. Same-same as with Brother Ray. These Three for Me

I'll not get deeply into the details of the program, as all still blends
together. But here is the proverbial thumbnail sketch for you:

The John Stewart Band - large and hooking up several folks who had
played with John across years - are names you wouldn't likely know.
[Just as most folks don't usually know the guys in Gord's band]

But, they honored The Big Guy . . . !

Tim Schmidt [Eagles] opened singing Chilly Winds and speaking of his
being simply run-over by The Kingston Trio when he was a kid. His
roots with John run deep, long, and are visible in his current work.
Henley and Frey were in the audience.

Bill Mumy [Twilight Zone, Lost in Space, Babylon 5] sang brightly.
His own music is well worth the listening.

Russ Kunkel [first-call drummer/sideman to everyone in the 70s & 80s]
hit Cowbell to Congas to Drum Kit to Triangle. Good man. Friend.

Davey Jones closed out singing She Believes in Me and, of course,
Daydream Believer [pointedly singing FUNKY rather than Happy]

The Governator and Maria [Arnold and Shriver] sent a proclamation
on behalf of The State of California. It was presented to John's
wife, Buffy, and his sons & daughter.

Astronaughts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter sent video messages.
Also, Roseanne Cash [Rose appeared live at the East Coast Tribute
held at The Turning Point]

The Shining Star onstage was John's Angel-Rain - his wife Buffy.
Bright-White with [by now] trademark Black Patch over one eye
from a brain tumor some years ago - Buffy shined not on the Spark
of John, but of her own.

Four hours of music, slide shows, film clips, and Wonderment.

Old friends, new friends [also old] highlighted The Joy. I figure,
that's what its all about anyway - Touching Hearts. John did.
And he became Friend.

Won't you please allow me to show you John -
and Where My Friend Has Gone . . .

Blessings - Abundant

Rez





Photo by John at Selma, Alabama 1965 - Marching with Martin


John's East Coast Tribute Memorial - The Turning Point, Pawling NY

YouTube - John Stewart Tribute

John's Hope - Beyond . . . Walk on the Moon

YouTube - John Stewart-Walk On the Moon

John's Eugoly for Himself: And If You Should Remember Me

YouTube - JOHN STEWART-IF YOU SHOULD REMEMBER ME

Link to Malibu Tribute Photos
http://www.sonic.net/roadman/bloodno...08/tribute.htm

. . . I still dream I will Walk on the Moon

[Dream Street Rose]

Rex, my friend, you are amazing. This is a wonderful post and tribute to your friend John. Ken still can not believe that we were just talking about John and playing his music a short time before he passed away. Like Gordon, John Stewart drew upon his own life experiences and recounted them in ways that we could all identify with.

DSR

[jj]

Originally Posted by The Rez

Link to Malibu Tribute Photos
http://www.sonic.net/roadman/bloodno...08/tribute.htm

great photos also...sorry for the large loss...I understand Buckingham performed a version of Gold...haven't been able to find any video or audio of that online...any links?

[JohninCt.]

I remember John Stewart from when he was with the Cumberland Trio and onward. I was a fan also. I met him and got his autograph out back of the Melodyland Theater near Disneyland back in 1964. He really was a major part of the Kingston Trio when he joined and made it a better group, and I had seen them many times. I was sad to hear of his passing in January. I would hear his songs thru the years and always could identify his voice in a few seconds. He helped make many happy memories of my early days, and I still get a warm and content feeling when I put on old Kingston Trio songs and hear that voice.
I just had a friend pass away this past Friday of the same thing, he was only 53 and on a canoe trip down the Potomac River in West Virginia. At least he was doing something that he loved when it came. I hope John was also.

[RM]

According to the poster of this video, it was shown as part of the memorial service referred to by Rez. Just Stewart at his best.

Trust me on this one........it's wonderful !

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBDGTZD5WsY

[jj]

wonderful in every way, thanks, rm

[gene]

Thanks so much for the summary of the memorial concert, and all the great YouTube links.

John Stewart's music is, to me, much like Gord's, in that it replays itself constantly in my head. That's a very nice "malady" to have. I miss John more every day.

[fezo]

Yes, indeed. Soundtracks of our lives.

[ELizabeth]

Thanks for the pix from the JS Memorial Service, Rex. I love them.

[The Rez]

Howdy Y'all,

The Malibu Tribute at Pepperdine will become a purchasable DVD.
No word on how far in the future that will be, but it is in the works.
Far beyond simply an archive. Vital.

The Tribute was four hours long, but my understanding is all of the
program will be included. As fine as The Music, were the remembers
of the participants. Also, the film and slide presentations between
guests performances.

Shana Morrison - who I forgot to mention - sang with some Serious
Lung Power. Beautiful young lady with a unique and compelling voice
- not too surprised really, seeing as how she is Van's daughter
Proud Papa . . . btw!

Each segment of the program contributed as greatly to the whole as
The Music performed - particularly John's revealing late-life interview
with a young man as thay sat in the booth of a diner.

To hear John revere The Music over Hit Records and Performing over
Recording, sounds soothingly familiar to us *Corfidders*

Should any of you choose to delve further into JohnSongs, the fine
magazine *Rediscover Music* is the most excellent source. Years ago,
it was through *Rediscover* that I purchased each of Gord's albums as
they were released on CD - all the way to and including The Final Four.

Tell Allan Shaw [Rediscover's Boss] Rex says, "Howdy" That, and a cookie,
will get you . . . well . . . a crumbled cookie. Allan is a Cool Dude with the
same heart we all share for Folk Music. Ain't no-bout-a-doubt it . . .
those we revere are alive and well within the pages of *Rediscover Music*

Blessings,

Rez

PS: Dwelling on Remembers of Barry tonight . . . Needful