John Stewart - Mother Country - April 2007
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- Опубліковано 13 кві 2007
- From the Los Angeles Times
John Stewart, 68; singer-songwriter of folk
By Richard Cromelin
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 21, 2008
John Stewart, an intense troubadour who helped set the standards for the singer-songwriter movement of the early 1970s with his classic album "California Bloodlines," died Saturday in his hometown of San Diego after suffering a stroke. He was 68.
Stewart didn't match that acclaim again, but in the long solo career that followed his seven years with the Kingston Trio, he recorded more than 45 albums, flirted with chart success, pioneered the independent recording and release of records, and remained a hard-touring folk patriarch with a loyal following.
Stewart, who lived in Novato in Northern California, had a concert scheduled at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica on Feb. 2 and was in San Diego to complete work on a new album.
Recorded in Nashville with some of the musicians who worked on Bob Dylan's "Nashville Skyline," "California Bloodlines" wasn't a commercial hit when it came out in 1969, but its folk-country blend and Stewart's literary use of quintessential American characters and geography have resonated through the decades in the folk genre that has become known as Americana.
" 'California Bloodlines' is a vision of America written after traveling around the country spending my boyhood on racetracks," Stewart, whose father was a horse trainer, said in a 2003 interview with the San Jose Mercury News. "When I left the Trio, I was reading [Jack] Kerouac and [John] Steinbeck with Andrew Wyeth prints hanging on my wall. All that somehow took me to the songs on that record."
The album was included in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 200 best albums of all time, and on his 2006 album "West of the West," contemporary folk mainstay Dave Alvin recorded the title song, with its evocative refrain: "Oh, there's California bloodlines in my heart/And a California woman in my song/Oh, there's California bloodlines in my heart/And a California heartbeat in my soul."
"[Stewart] was probably one of the greatest songwriters around," Roz Larman, the longtime host of KPFK-FM's "Folk Scene" radio program, told the Los Angeles Times on Sunday. "He wrote songs about the United States. You could tell he really loved America. . . . He just knew this country real well, and he was just an amazing songwriter."
Born Sept. 5, 1939, in San Diego, Stewart started performing when he was a teenager in Pomona, and made three albums with the folk group Cumberland Three. He then joined the popular Kingston Trio in 1961 when founding member Dave Guard left the group.
After leaving the trio in 1967, Stewart hit the campaign trail with Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who was seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, then began his solo career. His biggest song was "Daydream Believer," a No. 1 hit for the Monkees and also a chart single for Anne Murray. Rosanne Cash later found success with his "Runaway Train."
The biggest hit Stewart recorded himself was "Gold," from his 1979 Top 10 album "Bombs Away Dream Babies." On that project he collaborated with two artists who had studied the Kingston Trio's music when they were starting out -- Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.
For the most part, though, he remained a stalwart of the folk circuit. In 2000, he and his former Kingston Trio colleague Nick Reynolds founded the Trio Fantasy Camp in Scottsdale, Ariz., an annual event where fans could perform with the pair.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Buffy Ford Stewart; their son, Luke, and three children from a previous marriage, Mikael, Jeremy and Amy.
Services are pending.
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MY present age is 71...John Stewart & The Kingston Trio recordings were a Guiding Light for our 1963 Folksinging Trio “The Bucket Three” in San Francisco. Saw the K3 @ the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos in mid 60s. Also enjoyed John’s Band in the mid 70s @ the Boarding House club on Bush St in SF. I continue to listen to his songs & sing them in my head to cheer myself in these troubled times...I Thank You, John Stewart!
Yours - BanjoBob
I will always cry when I hear this song. John Stewart was/is a national treasure!
Me too.
I worked for John and his wife installing his satellite system
over 10 years ago...I walked by all his Gold records
hanging on the walls of his home in Novato, CA.
He took the time to tell me some stories about some of them...
He was a great man and musician and he will be missed...
RIP John...
This song still brings tears to my eyes even after 50 plus years. Such a great poet.
I agree. It is beautiful and brings me to tears as well.
He was my dear, dear friend. His widow remains my best friend to this day. John's dad, and my husband's dad, raised trotting and pacing horses. I cry whenever I hear this song. John WAS a superb poet and songster. Buffy is still with us. Give her a listen!
I cry when I hear Daydream Believer.
Steve miller
John was great saw him often in phoenix
I knew so many people that claimed to have been there that day... I know that the few of them that truly were, knew that they saw something meaningful. God bless the horsemen and God bless the poets... Let's not forget the songbirds!
And He Called Her Sweet Heart On Parade.
this is my grandpa i miss him so much
Brennan, so sorry for your loss. He was a treasure to many of us too. I miss him and his music. Take care.
So sorry for your loss. I grew up listening to him and saw him a few times in person in SF. He was a poet and his words mean so much more to me as I get older.
...and it was just a little while later, Old John Stewart died. RIP. Peace be unto your family.
I was in the beginning of th 1980's. I was in a record shop in Amsterdam. They had a large section of second hand lp's there, with long shelves against the walls on which a string of record players with ear phones were placed.
I ran across an old lp that was called 'Cannons In The Rain'. The name of the singer didn't stir any recognition in my mind. John Stewart. I put the record on and when I heard that strange, vibrating voice I instantly knew I would buy that record.
Difficult to imagine a creative work that better captures the essence of 'America'. Stops me dead in my tracks every time I hear it. And God bless KSFO radio in the late 60s, early 70s, for having John Stewart on their playlist. No idea how I would ever have survived high school without Stewart and Lightfoot by my side.
It really does capture America
The very best. RIP John.
His poetry is genius. His singing lives in our hearts. I think you must be walking on the moon and singing.
And, you know, it was just a little while later, just a little while later, that John Stewart died. And, he'd never been better!
I was lucky enough to be at the RCA studio A in Nashville, when John recorded the California Bloodlines album. It was one of the most memorable weeks of my love. John, we will all miss you, and we will all be better for having known you and your songs. Have a good show tonight.
This is one of the "songs that made America famous", to quote Harry Chapin. John Stewart was and is a legend.
Mary
The studio version of "Mother Country", which is a such a tear jerker for me, was played on the Apollo 11 mission and featured in the 2019 documentary. Apollo 11.
CountPal yeeessss
That documentary brought me here. Free on HULU, and I recommend it.
I have so loved John Stewart since I was a teenager - about 100 years ago, Still my favorite
Thank you for sharing. I rewatch this again and again and again.
Thanks. I do too.
An absolute treasure. Thank you so much. This song has haunted my soul since I was a small child. It made me cry then, and it still has the same effect. Bless you, John, and all the E.A. Stuarts and Old Campaigners of this world. This IS a true story. Google E.A. Stuart and The Carnation Milk Company (the canned milk people/Daisy the Cow). John's people raised trotters and pacers as did my husband's family. Fine old stories, magnificent songs.
As a songwriter he was one of the best, oh yes he was.
I could probably name 100 of my favorite John Stewart songs, it certainly hard to beat this one. From the very first time I heard it, just back from Vietnam to just discovering this video of an old man living his song. It is hard to imagine that John is no longer with us. But there is a Cowboy in the Distance that is making heaven a better place.
Well said,. I saw John twice, new that beginning of his career and near the end. An amazing songwriter. I have about 20 of his albums. If you want to read a great summary of John's career and Message me at my fb page: facebook.com/briansfavoritemusic
ssgtsouth zoo
John was a favorite of mine and this was one of his best songs. I'm glad i found it and want to thank the poster for bringing it back for us.
I saw John Stewart at U of South FLA. 1971. Great show. Many fans in Florida. Love him!
A classic song for an older man to sing at an advanced age , but the remarkable thing is that John wrote it as a much younger man , he had an uncanny ability to tap into the very essence of being human and , America.
He will be sadly missed , but his tremendous music shall live on forever........
Great song writter and singer.... Used to go see him in L.A. at the palomino club.
I was raised in the California Bloodlines album and my greatest regret was never getting to see him live.
A true genius. Phoenix Concerts is still my favorite album. He was the best.
To me, this is the most moving of the available versions of “Mother Country” on record or performance by John.
@@Eeklex thanks. I tear up every time I watch it.
He was one of the best and will be missed. I am 45 and have loved his music since the 1970's....his music will live forever.
Peace John
I've loved you for a very, very long time John Stewart !
I was madly in love with John Stewart when he was singing with the Kingston Trio. I always hoped that he would wait for me to grow up. Alas! That was not to be....
Goodbye my prince. If we never meet again, I have sweet memories, and that's how it should be....
Sallie
i have loved that song for almost 40 years! getting old - mem not the song. god he's good!!
Brilliant and heart-breaking!
John Stewart was my favorite folk singer/writer. I especially liked Mother Country singin' about some of his heroes,and his Country that he loved so much. Old EA Stuart drivin' her stone blind. I've never taken music to heart the way I do when I listen to John. I thank him for all he has left us,and I do miss this fellow American,he was one of my heroes.
RIP John....thank you for making us smile...and daydream.
In 1974 I hitchhiked from Virginia to Tucson, crashed with R. Hiller on Helen St. and got knocked out by John Stewart's "The Lonesome Picker Rides Again"--still love that album. Sad to see him go.
I saw John Stewart at the Troubadour in LA in the early seventies and it is was such a great show that its still fresh in my mind. Great talent.
I saw him at U of South Florida in 1971, year I got married. He was great both solo and with Kingston Trio! RIP John, see ya later...
"Mother Country" touches me in a way no other has. I miss you. Thank God your music will live on forever.
First heard and fell in love with your songs in the 1970s. Can't even count the number of times I saw you play in Tempe, Az. I will always love and remember you as one of the best songwriters of all time. R.I.P. John Stewart - Steve E. Randolph
Saw him many times. Knew him a bit, talked to him now and then. Great man, great writer. Miss you, John.
Who in the world could the 3 "dislikes" be? What is wrong with them???
This man, this song, this genre....legendary, irreplacable and impossible to duplicate.
meggieturi - there will always people who click the "dislike' button no matter who is singing. Such a pity.
I saw John with some of my dear friends at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in California in 1970. Just back from Vietnam it was my first taste of "home". Buffy Ford was with him and his band that night. It was just after The Phoenix Concerts was released. He and they were amazing and inspirational and everyone in the house sang along. What a night! His voice was pure and strong and miles to go. God we are losing all the great ones. And now look what we are left with today. No comparison.
I began looking for "July, You Are A Woman" so, so many years ago...Haunted me. Finally found it on California Bloodlines. Wow..I found more on that album..Mother Country...what a gem!!! Cannot express what that song does to me..goosebumps every time!! This man is a treasure..what a waste more people haven't heard this song..Sweetheart on Parade..Oh, yea...
John was my parents' favorite artist when I was little, and Bolinas was probably one of the first songs I memorized. My children are now older than I was then. But to this day, no one's music has ever touched me to the depths of my soul as John's has. Heaven sounds a lot more beautiful today. Rest with Ole EA Stuart, John. We love you.
I had the honor of seeing your grandpa "live" twice at the Palms Playhouse in Winters, CA. shortly before he passed away. I had always been a fan of his music and feel so fortunate to see him perform before it was to late. You should be proud. Please know this-he lives on through his wonderful music.
love his music! his music will live on forever...in all of us!
Bringing tears to my eyes. Love this song, and the rest of "California Bloodlines"--well, all his music. As a California girl, and daughter of a Dust Bowl Sooner, it's always spoken to me.
We will all see him in concert some day!
I love this.I saw John in 1974 at the Stanford outdoor amphitheater.I remember when he says "They're opening the gates back there!".Everyone turned to look.That day changed me forever.It was sort Oh OK.This is American music.Amazing.I miss him.
.....Sweetheart on parade.........
Fabulous vibrato John. I cannot get enough of this video. Unfortunately all of my John Stewart records were destroyed in the Malibu floods (how ironic... ) of 1980. Bless you and Buffy, such beautiful, principled artists and human beings. Love to you both xxx P Browning's erstwhile wife.....
Ele era um anjo muito especial. Obrigado por toda a música!
I miss him too! He brought many joyous memories of my younger days... He lives on in my soul through his music!
I grew up on John Stewart. Thank you for sharing him with us..
On a hot July afternoon in 1970, Bill Compton on KDKB in Phoenix played the entire California Bloodlines album. I immediately went out and bought it. Started listening to JS and have never stopped. John, I bought all of your music, saw you in concerts dozens of times,spoke to you briefly several times. I was stunned in January of this year by how much your music and words had become such a meaningful part of my life. May the spirit of the Lonesome Picker never die! Thank you more than I can say
You've probably got all the important parts of that story right, but in 1970 the call sign for that radio station was KCAC. It was still a sunrise to sunset AM station. It was 1971 0r 1972 when the ownership changed and the station moved to KDKB - FM. I loved that station and all the DJs they had. They were the reason I stopped listening to top 40 radio. They were also the reason I saw John Stewart in concert twice in Phoenix -- don't remember the name of the theater, but it was in the round. Good memories.
@@brucecsnell I recall KCAC very well. Even when it started. I believe Bill Compton went from KRUX to KCAC which then became KDKB. (exact dates and time frame can be fuzzy) I think KCAC lasted for maybe a year or so. That theater in the round was the Celebrity Theater, and I was very likely there the same night that you were with one or two of the many friends, lovers, and wives, that I dragged to John Stewart concerts over the years.
@@brucecsnell And yeah. After KCAC started no more Top 40 for me either.
Do you recall on KRUX when afternoon DJ Bill Compton started hosting a free-form 'underground' radio show on KRUX on Sunday nights? He went by the name Wee Willy Sunshine.
@@nedearley3352 -- I graduated from high school in Apache Junction in 1966 so I listened to a lot of top 40 radio in Phoenix. The two stations kids listened to were KRUX and KRIZ -- you were apparently a KRUX kid -- so was I. (LOL) I was in the army from 1967 to 1970 so definitely not familiar with what was happening then. I got home in August 1970 and discovered KCAC -- that is why I am certain of that much of the timeline. The only DJ whose name I remember was Toad Hall who did mornings on KCAC (and KDKB I believe). I am a little fuzzy about the exact time they went FM with KDKB but I seem to remember them promoting the coming changeover during January or February of 1972. I know it couldn't have been any earlier than that because I remember the girl who was in my car when we first heard the promo (my now ex-wife) and I know when we were together. Do you recall what the DKB in KDKB stood for? Dwight Karma Broadcasting. Odd the things we remember -- I often joke that I know I went to high school because I have the diploma, I just don't remember any of it. 25 people in my graduating class and not one name for any of them remains in my head. Yet, I remember the morning DJ on a small station with offices in Mesa AZ.
From the farewell tour of the trio in Anaheim to the Ice House in Pasadena and countless times at McCabe's -- all the way to Poor David's in Dallas, JS was the best! Can't think of any performer or celeb whose passing effected me more. RIP John.
He was magnificent.
he turned music into gold.. )
the favorite song of Buzz Aldirn on Apollo 11
I hadn't read the liner notes on the back side of the sleeve yet, but I instantly realised: this was the same unusual voice that sang 'Ballad Of The Quiet Fighter' on that old Kingston Trio lp I had and liked so much. This was the same voice that told the story of the 'Reverend Mr. Black' on that same record.So this was John Stewart. Well, ever since that day I've been buying his records - all of them. Some people simply shouldn't die.
He wrote "Molly Dee" which has always been one of my favorite Kingston Trio songs. I saw him perform at a little coffee house on the campus of San Diego State University sometime around 1972 and saw the Trio in the 60s.
He's was a cool grandpa!
Saw him the summer of 1970 at a club in San Clemente, CA, called The Four Muses. It was the Willard promotional tour. A bunch of us sang this in a talent show during junior high school.
So lovely to see this today. I was at this show. My mums flew in from the UK and timed her trip to see John.
Amazing presence. Great man.
@valleyofgalon I remember that too. It was a little later than 1970, though. I was in the military around the same time, 1970-1974. The Phoenix Concerts came out in 1974. The audience would not leave even after the lights came on. The band came out for what I believe was the only unscheduled encore I have ever witnessed. I saw him in Covina around the time this was recorded.
i've always loved john stewart since he was with the kingston trio. He seems to get better with age. His voice is mellow and softer. One of the great american song writers too. Most of what he sings he wrote like this song. A great storyteller. Thanks for posting.
I first heard this song in a small coffee shop in Dallas, and I cannot remember the performer's name, but he was a fine singer. Since then, about 1970, I have been a great admirer of John Stewart's music. RIP Traveler. You did good, and you are missed.
This still sounds as fresh today as when it first came out.
"Back in Pomona, at the County Fair...Lying on my back with my ear on the ground, listen to the rhythm of the big old pacers comin' around". Yeah, John was really there.
Thanks much to whoever posted this clip.
John Stewart, this song is grate, i love it, you are a true star, big thumbs up.
grate? Hunh
I forget which year it was, maybe 1969 but one night I saw all 4 members of the Kingston Trio at a club in Los Altos California called Chuck's Cellar. The trio with John Stewart was performing and Dave Guard was in the audience. After the club closed, a privileged few of us were allowed to stay, while Guard joined the others on stage, and they sang together for a couple of hours. Among the songs they sang were a bunch of Beatles tunes.
What an amazing story. I can't believe no one has commented on it yet, but it's moving me now. Thanks for sharing that memory.
Breaks my heart. Had a recording of this ? 30 years ago. Has this ever been more relevant?
Mary Redmond
i just learned john stewart died earlier this year while searching for him on wikipedia.
although the voice may have grown older with the man, his spirit never did. john sings this with all of the pride of e.a. stuart.
god bless you, john. rest in peace.
omg totally overlooked or what
Genius.
we have lost a treasure...
This grown woman could break right down and cry.... this clip is heartbreaking to watch, John was so vibrant and sadly it's all slipped away now. Rest in peace you wonderful man.
Johnny I hardly knew ye, but I heard you in concert a couple of times, and talked to you in 1964 after a big KT concert in KC and you were so gracious and polite to me, just a fan and a groupie.
When the voice of the American Land was honored.
Probably the finest of Americana artists ever. I miss him. Thankfully his we have his records and video.
John was a hero of mine.
John was a "personal" writer and performer.
This meant he played smaller venues.
He was always true to himself in his writing
and performing.
He touched many souls.
Rest Easy John
I'm a very sad man today. One of my heros has died. I was a fan of his when he was in the Kingston Trio but became an even bigger fan when I got his California Bloodlines album. And I was lucky enough to see him in concert four times. The last time I saw him in person was in August in San Francisco. He appeared at a tribute to the Kingston Trio. There were perhaps only forty people there. I got to talk to him and Buffy briefly at the end. I'm a very sad man today. RIP John Stewart.
Wow, that was awesome! Thank you for uploading this.
I have California Bloodlines (vinyl). He was and is amazing. This video is great and, for me, sad. He is / was so fragile. Only good part is - he was as unforgettable as was Sweetheart on Parade.
Mary
Yeah, I've been watching/hearing John do this song since about 1971 when I first caught his show at the Four Muses club in San Clemente. He was great then, and he's still great. I regret not being home to catch him in Portland a couple months ago with Country Joe. Keep on playing, John. Thanks for the awesome posting!!
@john9944
I was also saddened when I heard he was ill and then, after a while, no longer with us. He did many brilliant ones. This was one of the most moving ... Sweetheart on Parade.
Mary
My mum had (and stil owns) an original copy of "California Bloodlines". I grew up listening to that Album, and this was and still is my favourite song. This song still makes me cry when it gets to the part "and he's drivin' her stone blind".. An underated talent, and its so hard in the UK to find his stuff. RIP John
@AutnNeProductionz Lots of us miss John. You are so lucky to have been close to him. He was a remarkable man in many ways - writing and singing were just a small part of many talents. This was my favorite song.
John Stewawart's music transcended national Borders - he sang about real people and he was absolutely genuine. Being a uk citizen I never had the privilege of seeing John live but his music has made a profound and indelible Mark on my life. Thank you John. You were one of a kind.
rest in peace thanks for letting us sing along
I posted a video of ten record albums I pulled from my record collection at random and John Stewart was one of them. What a joy to find this video and add it to my list of favorites. Thanks for posting it, and if you are the person who recorded it, you must be very proud. I know I would be.
Nice music. I like his name even more.
Condolences to Johns family and friends. He had a huge impact. John's one of the founding fathers of contemporary folk or Americana.
I always did like John's songs and his style. I believe I still have a copy of California Bloodlines on vinyl or cassette!
i am crying
I grew up listening to John Stewart (I'm 28)and I love his music. So sorry I will never get to see him in concert. Thanks for posting this video so we can remember how great he was! Does anyone know if there are any older clips in existance, pre 2000s?
Great to see John on UA-cam. Really appreciate you taking and posting this. As John says, "you have to watch the movie when you sing this song". It's easy to do...close your eyes and listen and E.A. and the Old Campaigner will materialize.
Truly agree. This clip was wonderful.Thanks to who ever posted it.
Thanks so much for posting this song!!!
Thanks for this so many happy memories.
Like many contributors, I think John is incredibly underated. Seen him in concert in UK many times and always, but probably wont be over again. So thanks for the video
I have heard there is a piece of classic John Stewart footage where he sings Survivors with a choir of children singing with him. I would love to see this, if anyone out there has it please post it. Big Thanks!
One of my heroes.
So sad that he died before i could see him live ( i just found his music recently) , watching this , he should have gone on to a renaissance like Johnny Cash did via Rick Rubin . Still , we have the music , treasure it friends.
Amazing talent. John & his beautiful wife Buffy Ford Stewart were friends of mine. When 'Bombs Away Dream Babies' delivered the runaway hit 'Gold', my husband & I moved from Hollywood to John's house in Malibu, at which point John and Buffy & their baby son Luke moved to a neighboring house overlooking Zuma Beach. Wonderful people. I'm blessed to have known them & seen them in concert many times. Long Live John Stewart!