I was saddened to read, in yesterday's paper, of the sudden and unexpected passing of John Stewart by way of a brain aneurism. Granted, he may not quite qualify for lesser known status, but his integrity in the way he pursued his music almost guaranteed he wasn't a bigger name. He wouldn't "play ball" with the big music producers in order to gain wider fame and distribution.

I remember, in the early 1960's, when founding member of the Kingston Trio, Dave Guard, decided to leave fame and fortune behind for more traditional music and teaching youngsters, which he was successfully doing in Australia when cancer took him. The Trio took on a fellow with whom I was only marginally familiar, one John Stewart, who eventually became a more familiar figure than the man he replaced.

His legacy, headed by "California Bloodlines," is for others to reflect on, which I am certain they will. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a semi-private "reunion" concert with Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane some years ago in our area. Nick's family and friends were all in attendance, along with his very accomplished nephew, Joey Harris, a fine guitarist in his own right. John's contributions, as a songwriter, singer, instrumentalist and entertainer were all on display in a small auditorium which barely contained him. Bon Voyage, John. Thanks for the memories.