In a conversation I had with Bob Shane when he was here in Montreal (1980) -
we talked about a lot of things...including Dave Guard's leaving and John Stewart replacing him.
The name "John Phillips" came up and Bob shook his head - and said:
"John was never considered. Let's leave it at that."
So I did.
Brucester
BE WELL AND STAY SAFE OUT THERE
I'm not sure Frank Werber was completely sold on John Phillips. Personality conflicts, other issues, who knows? Two things for sure. The Kingston Trio performed concerts at clubs, making John Phillips' age a factor (he was too young) and the fact he couldn't play banjo. Not sure a backup banjo picker (even someone as accomplished as Dick Weissman) would suffice.
Didn't Werber also sign the Journeymen and get them a contract with Capitol as sort of a KT farm team? If Stewart didn't work out, Phillips could replace him, and Dick Weissman could be an on-stage sideman to handle the banjo parts.
I believe it was Frank Werber who was behind John Stewart and his Cumberland Three folk trio. Frank got them that contract with Roulette Records and paved the way for John eventually replacing Dave Guard.
Message Thread | This response ↓
« Back to index