Nick Reynolds, Musician
Kingston Trio founding member Nick Reynolds passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 due to acute respiratory disease and other illnesses. He was 75 years old. Reynolds and his group have been attributed to jump starting the folk scene in the late 1950s and was an inspiration to musicians like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Nicholas Reynolds was born in San Diego in 1933 and had a love for music at a very early age. He attended a couple of Universities before attending and graduating from Menlo College’s business school in 1956. It was during this time that he met Bob Shane who introduced him to Dave Guard. The three soon formed the Kingston Trio.
The folk group won a best country and western performance at the very first Grammys when they performed “Tom Dooley,” there No. 1 hit in 1958.
I remember listening to Kingston Trio albums when I was a kid. My mom had their vinyl albums and they were a staple sound on Saturday afternoons.
Below is a 1966 Kingston Trio performance of “Where Have All the Flowers Gone“ on the Andy Williams Show.
Rest in Peace Nick Reynolds
Tags: acute respiratory disease, Kingston Trio, Nick Reynolds, where have all the flowers gone
October 12th, 2008 at 8:56 am
My parents were fans of the Kingston Trio from the first time my father heard “Tom Dooley” on the radio. I grew up with their music, and it still nourishes my soul more than any other. I feel that my world is better for having had the Kingston Trio in it. We lost Dave Guard over a decade ago and just this year we lost John Stewart and Nick Reynolds. I have a hard time listening to their records now because it makes me so sad to know that these talented men are no longer with us, but I know that when enough time passes, I will be able to hear their music again and it will bring more happiness than sadness. Rest in peace, Nick.