Song Hits magazine "The Kingston Trio Rescues Tom Dooley"	January,1959

Poor "Tom Dooley," doomed to die because he took the life of his lover. Here is a man who met a woman on a mountain and took her life because of another man. He lover her, yet she could not be true, and it is fated that he shall hang for this. But, wait, who do we see coming to the rescue, no it can't be, but it is. The Kingston Trio, congas and guitars in hand . They have come to save "Tom Dooley." They must save him or tomorrow he'll be swingin' and it won't be with rhythm!

In the spring of 1957, Dave Guard, a graduate of Stanford University joined Menlo College pals, Bob Shane and Nick Reynolds to form a trio. They formed because of their interest in various native rhythms. San Francisco publicist Frank Werber caught their unique act at a campus hangout and was immediately attracted to these 21-year-old lads. He sent them to Judy Davis, who schooled them in voice and drama. Within a very short time the boys were the rage of the northern city.

Singing comes naturally to the trio. Dave and Bob were raised in Hawaii where they learned to play and sing at the age of seven. In addition to the native songs of Hawaii, they picked up on music of other Polynesian Islands from visiting yachtsmen and travelers.

Nick was born in Coronado, Calif., the son of a Navy officer, who taught him folk songs from his world-wide jaunts.

Each of these boys is a skilled musician, on guitars, banjo, uke, and conga drums. They are also avid record collectors.

On May 1, this dynamic, versatile trio debuted nationally via "Rumors of Evening," a CBS-TV Playhouse 90 drama. As well as singing, the Trio enacted roles as airline pilots.

Signed to a Capitol contract a short while ago, the young men recorded their first album in the "Tower," then returned to the Bay City on the West Coast for an engagement at the Purple Onion bistro. A noted writer caught their act and was so impressed he immediately wrote a TV play and sold it to Playhouse 90. Director Frankenheimer's enthusiasm increased after he met the three boys and decided to use only their voices as the background score throughout the entire production.

These three wonderfully, dynamic guys, certainly have a background for musical talent. And with their dramatic talent as well, it's for certain "Tom Dooley" shall be rescued. "Tom Dooley" as you know by this time is their latest recording on the Capitol label. All hail The Kingston Trio and their heroic rescue of poor old "Tom Dooley."

Last revised: February 23, 2006.