The son of a Southern California horse trainer, John Stewart was a songwriter/musician of incredible talent. 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 group. Stewart and his futre wife, Buffy Ford, joined Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign, only to have it cut short when an assassin's bullet took out 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 and cultural events. Although seldom recognized outside the music industry, 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. His accompanying LP reached number ten. His more than 650 songs varied widely. He sang of "Omaha Rainbows," "Missouri Birds," "Chilly Winds," loners like "Willard" and "Some Lonesome Picker," gypsy girls named Shannon, driving racehorses stone blind, his beloved "Mother Country," and countless more memorable tunes. Raw, gritty, poignant... Dreamer, poet, cultural narrator, and legendary singer/musician, John Coburn Stewart - the "Lonesome Picker."
