In 1957 three buddies started a band. Taking folk music, and adding a pinch of comedy, the band worked hard and found an enthusiastic audience. About one year later, The Kingston Trio recorded their first album. Later that year, four of their albums were listed by Billboard Magazine in their list of the top ten. It hadn't happened before, and it has never happened since.
Even if you aren't old enough to recall their meteoric rise in the music world, you might be surprised how many of their recordings you have heard. "Scotch and Soda," "Tom Dooley," "Hard, Ain't It Hard," and my favorite, the "M.T.A," are just a few of the songs that make it difficult to resist singing along. Possibly more important than any individual songs is the fact that The Kingston Trio has been credited with the revival of folk music in this country.
Although some members of The Kingston Trio have come and gone, Bob Shane, one of the original trio, continued to perform and tour until 2004. Bob Shane lives in the Phoenix area, and I caught up with him in between performances. He was kind enough to share some of his thoughts, and a few secrets!
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