Another gone

[cozmik_cowboy]

Robert Castle Schoen (known professionally as Bob Shane), the last surviving original member of the Kingston trio,  passed away Jan. 26 at age 85.

My parents had college students living with us when I was a kid; one girl who was there when I was in 4th & 5th grades brought the Kingston Trio, Peter Paul & Mary, and Burl Ives records into the house, thus saving me from my mother's steady diet of Andy Williams, Longine's Symphonette, and The Magic Of Montovani  (she also had a funny-smelling corncob pipe - I was a nosy little turd - and named her first child after me.  But I digress.)  Mr. Shane & associates woke me up to the possibility of real music.  While my evolving tastes (including in folk music) largely left them behind, they will always hold a revered spot in my heart.

Peter

[David Houck]

The Kingston Trio had a major impact on music in the US, setting the stage for the rise in popularity of folk music, and the sixties protest songs that came with it.

Another impact was in our household, where my dad and I played folk tunes together, a few of which were Kingston Trio songs.

[lbpesq]

My parents played Kingston Trio albums when I was growing up.  Also Harry Belafonte, Phil Ochs, Burl Ives, Classical, Broadway Show Cast Albums.  There was always a baritone Ukulele against the wall in the living room.  No one played it, except my tone-deaf dad who, after years of practice, could slowly pick out the melody to the first two lines of “Tom Dooley.”   But it was there when I strung it backwards and taught myself three chords lefty - I was a righty, eight years old, and Paul was my favorite at the time.  The Beatles were far too advanced for me, but I played and sang Tom Dooley among the first songs I ever learned.  Seemed like they were always wearing matching striped shirts.

May The Four Winds Blow You Safely Home

Bill, tgo

[edwardofhuncote]

Kingston Trio was a big one for my folks. I used to wonder how the 'Ol Man made the jump from them to Flatt & Scruggs, but I get it now. 

[keith_h]

I have inherited most of my father's records which include a couple of albums by you guessed it,  Montovani! In addition there is some Lawrence Welk, Mitch Miller, Son's of the Pioneers but no folk music.

[edwin]

The Great Folk Scare!