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Nick Reynolds Obituary
Reynolds had been hospitalized with acute respiratory disease and other illnesses, and died Wednesday in San Diego after his family took him off life support, said son Joshua Reynolds.
"Dad was so happy he turned people onto music in a way that people could really approach it, in a simple and honest way," Josh Reynolds told The Associated Press. "He was a very gracious and loving performer. He was a devoted family man."
The Kingston Trio's version of the 19th century folk song "Tom Dooley" landed the group a No. 1 spot on the charts in 1958, and launched the band's career.
Born on July 27, 1933, in San Diego, Nicholas Reynolds demonstrated an early love of music and did sing-alongs with his two sisters and their Navy captain-father, who taught him to play guitar.
He graduated from Coronado High School in 1951 and attended the University of Arizona and San Diego State University before attending Menlo College, a business school near Palo Alto. He graduated from Menlo in 1956.
It was during the mid-1950s that Nicholas Reynolds met Bob Shane, who introduced him to Stanford student Dave Guard. Guard and Shane knew each other from playing music in Guard's native Hawaii. The three formed the Kingston Trio.
In 1958, "Tom Dooley" earned Reynolds, Guard and Shane a trophy for best country and western performance at the first Grammys. The group, defined by tight harmonies and a clean-cut style, went on to win a Grammy the next year for best folk performance for its album "The Kingston Trio At Large."
Later member John Stewart joined the group in 1961, replacing Guard. Stewart died in January, also in San Diego.
After leaving the Kingston Trio in 1967, Reynolds moved to Oregon, where he stayed until the 1980s and took a break from music to raise his family, his son said.
Reynolds moved back to California in the mid-1980s and rejoined Stewart for one album. In 1991, Reynolds rejoined Shane in a reconstituted version of the Trio. He remained with the group until retiring in 2003, his son said.
Reynolds is survived by his wife Leslie, sons Joshua and John Pike Reynolds, daughters Annie Reynolds Moore and Jennifer Reynolds, and his two sisters.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
74 Entries
Brent Weber
December 3, 2018
I met Nick several times and always thanked him for the influence he had on me to learn guitar and banjo to play along with the Trios songs. I got to sing a duet with him at a 1994 Orem, Utah concert intermission playing George Groves Banjosaurus. What a treat! Received my first album in 1960 through The Capital Record Club and about wore it out repeating the songs until I new the songs. At 14, I bought my first banjo from Montgomery Ward, and 2 years later, my first guitar. I loved playing Kingston Trio music on band trips with my band director.
I would like to express my condolences to his family. He was always friendly and kind. May he Rest In Peace!
September 15, 2016
I have met Josh and cousin both fine players , I play guitar now and love playing old Kingston trio music . That old D-28 that the cousin has is a great old piece of Brazilian rosewood and you people sure know how to make them sing . Nick Reynolds is remembered ! I was a friend of Mark Josephs and met Josh in Astoria and then I met the cousin at the market in Hillcrest in San Diego , it is great to have the inspiration from your family and wow you people sure know how to play . Thank you for all you have given us in music , quite an inspiration !
Chuck Londo
Joel C
August 8, 2015
At age 16 in 1963 I picked up a $100 Harmony guitar and inspired by my hero's the Kingston Trio began a life long journey of folk music.
Still playing KT music to this day.
How you can show support
Dennis Mowrey
June 26, 2015
We just had the pleasure of meeting Nick's son Josh and what a treat it was to have that conversation about his dad and the memories. Dennis & Celesta
Michael Dryden
December 21, 2014
I didn't realize that I could still sign a guest book for one of the members of the group. I saw the group live three times. two in the sixties in Troy NY and once in the mid 90's in Hershey PA. I have most of their LP's and CD's. I still play their music. I am in my 70's now and still feel blessed that their music was part of my life, and it still is. I listen almost every day. I still love it. If any if Nick's family still reads the guest book please ,now what a blessing Nick and the group was to me.
Richard Owen
February 28, 2013
Thank You For All The Time You Spent With The Kingston Trio. And Please Thank Dave Guard & John Stewart For Me, Too. May You All Rest In Peace. See You All On The Other Side Some Beautiful Day!
jack wills
March 18, 2011
I MET JOSH IN GRADE SCHOOL AND REMEMBER STAYING OVER A FEW TIMS NICK AND HIS WIFE WERE SO VERY KIND . I THINK OF YOU OFTEN YOU AR MIST. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS JOSH
jerry kamph
May 6, 2010
Thankyou Nick: I wish to thank you for coming to the Kamph ranch and helping my dad and I work cattle.
Thank you Nick for allowing my brother and I to fish on your ranch on
Elk River.
Thank you Nick for taking time to always say hello when my son and I would see you shopping.
You will always be loved for being so common and just another friend who would come over with Walt and just help out a neighbor.
I remember your wonderful family; what a blessing you gave to all. See you again someday. My family has been so blessed by you just always dropping by.
Jerry Kamph and Kamph Ranch.
Langlois Oregon
Dinah Peevy
October 19, 2008
What an incredible loss to the world of music. Nick Reynolds's talent has given so much enjoyment to so many people. We will all miss him.
Elizabeth Wilson
October 12, 2008
My world is better for having had the Kingston Trio in it. No other group or artist has meant as much to me throughout my entire life. I was just a child when my parents became fans and I grew up with their music. Nick's humor, showmanship, and great voice were such an important part of what made the Trio unique and great. It breaks my heart that he is gone. Thank goodness he left us the gift of his music.
Pat Cahill
October 8, 2008
I was fortunate enough to meet Nick after a performance in Jackpot, NV. What a gracious, kind, appreciative and unassuming man. What a tremendous legacy. Thank you for the memories and music of my youth.
Danny Evans
October 8, 2008
I just put all their songs on my i pod. The Kingston Trio ,left an indelible memory on many,Hang Down Your Head Nick Reynolds was great.
Steve Schneider
October 7, 2008
The Trio meant a great deal to me in the early 60s. When the "English Invasion" happened I stuck with the KT. I still play their Captial records, and yes, even Decca's....God bless you Nick, I hope you have gone where "those chilly winds don't blow." Steve
Charlotte Ironmonger
October 7, 2008
Nick --The Best of the Best. May his Legacy live on forever!
Em S
October 7, 2008
In the Navy and stationed at Balboa Naval Hospital in the late 50's I loved San Diego--I associate many of the good times there with the Kingston Trio--played their records almost daily--and we still do put them on the "turntable"! I wish we could have known Nick personnaly. We did feel a 'kinship', being 1952 H.S. grads. Our condolences to his family in their great loss.
Mark Zysk
October 7, 2008
I still have 3 Trio albums and still listen to the on my stereo (Yes I still listen to albums). Their sound and harmonies were unbeatable. My Neices and Nephews who are in their late 20's think they are fantastic. So I guess we will have another Generation of Kingston Trio fans.
Brian Beirne
October 6, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with Nick and Bob many times over the years. We shared a little liquor, a lot of laughs and many discussions about our love of music. I can recall one radio interview I did with Nick and Bob many years ago. Trying to keep the in the show in focus was difficult because they were so very funny together. Nick was a great talent. I thank him for the music and the memories that will last forever.As with their closing song..Nick is " Going Home".
M L
October 6, 2008
Thank you, Nick. Thanks for keeping me company, through your LP's, in the wee hours, during my college days and well beyond.
Hart
October 6, 2008
To the family of Nick,
It is always so sad to lose someone we love so much. May the comfort and tender mercies of our Heavenly Father be with you all (2 Corinthians 1:4). With deep sympathy
Deborah Spoone
October 6, 2008
As a child I listened to my brothers albums of the Kingston Trio and others and they brought to me the joy of singing myself. I have listened to their music for close to 50 years. I remember so well what they meant and still mean today. Their footprints are still making their mark on those of us who remember them fondly and have those footprints forever etched in our hearts. Thank you for sharing him and his music with us. May God grant you peace and comfort in the coming days and weeks ahead.
C Mack
October 6, 2008
To the Family, May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Nance Douglas
October 6, 2008
"...Hang down your head and cry..."
I was a child when I first heard the Kingston Trio. I have grown up listening to them, and I am saddened by the death of Nick Reynolds. My thoughts are with his family, and all of us who "grew up knowing him".
Florence
October 6, 2008
To the Reynolds Family: What can I say that hasn't already been said about this man with the smooth voice, the talented entertainer? There are some who come into this world, bring joy, and forever leave their imprint on our collective hearts. One of The Trio's best songs was "Scotch and Soda." Many a woman has found the man of her dreams just listening and snuggling to that! Every song they sang was unforgettable. My grandchildren have even been lullabyed to by the refrains to the "MTA." Thank you for sharing him. God be with you all.
carol tolen
October 5, 2008
Your music was fabulous and so uplifting. Thank you for enriching our lives. I remember so many of your songs from my college days at U.C. Davis. Your group was one of my favorites.
Bob Perry
October 5, 2008
I have many pleasant memories of the Kingston Trio's music heard on radio during a time when it was "cool" for kids in high school to swap sweaters (early 60's). Sometime in the 90's, we attended your concert at the Rochester (NH) Opera House. Your contributions to folk music contributed substantially to the decade that changed the world for the better. Thank you. Safe journey.
Annette Mont Blanc
October 5, 2008
Thank you for touching my life with your music. May God bless.
Patty
October 5, 2008
My siblings and I were raised in a home where the music of the Kingston Trio filled the days and today sparks wonderful memories of our youth and family. Now we reach out to Nick's family to express our sympathy and to thank you for sharing him with us.
Ronald & Dawn Meeks
October 5, 2008
Thanks For All the Great Music And Memories.....
Dody VerSluis
October 5, 2008
Words are simply not adequate to describe what we felt when listening to "The Kingston Trio"! So many of their songs were such great fun, and educational too! I hope they loved playing together, because they imparted a great deal of joy to my life. I was born in 1940, and the harmonies of The Kingston Trio and the Four Freshman will be with me until I die! I still drag out those old records now and again, and thank goodness have a local radio station (KCMN) that plays them all. God bless your entire family.
JESS TORRES
October 4, 2008
EVEN ON THE RACE TRACK YOU WERE A GENT AT GOLETA WHEN WE MET IN 62. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. GOD BLESS.
Norma Allen
October 4, 2008
Nick had the personality in theTrio and of course MTA was a favorite because I lived in the Boston suburbs in the 60's. It is hard to lose the good guys--! My sympathy to his family and Godspeed Nick.
Linda
October 4, 2008
My condolences to the Reynolds family for their loss in Nick.
I loved the music of the Kingston Trio.
May God help you through this time of grief.
Steve Tolen
October 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Reynolds family. I have listened to and loved the music of the Kingston Trio for over 50 years. I cannot think of a more enduring memorial then the music you shared with us. God Bless.
Harry Simpson
October 4, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
I found my voice through listening to the Trio and took it to the opera stage.
Liz Barbour
October 4, 2008
How can I express the tiny miracles that someone I never met had upon me and who I became as an adult? My life is insignificant - I live, I strive for happiness and growth - but in pursuing his joy Nick gave me a love for music as a child which became my life theme. To me, his contribution was profound and deep. And there was something special about him which, in my mind, stood him apart - his whimsy, his playfulness, his unique and infectious (and, I must admit, oft imitated) smile taught me that within the respect and pursuit of excellence in music there can be fun and laughter to be shared with all. There is little more a single life can contribute than to leave a legacy of joy - and that joy lives on in me and so many others. Thank you, Nick - you'll not be forgotten.
LB Throne
October 4, 2008
Thanks for sharing your music! It sure made life a little easier!
Sharon Smich
October 4, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. The Kingston Trio was a big part of my life growing up and the folk era. Those were the days, weren't they? The kids today don't know what GREAT music is! Godspeed!
Gary L. Dobbins
October 4, 2008
I love The Kingston Trio! When I hear any of their songs,I drift back down memory lane. Thank you all for your great music. My sympathy to all the family.
George Donatello
October 4, 2008
When we sing MTA we'll remember you...
God Bless...
Thomas Widgeon
October 4, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!
Paul Basinger
October 3, 2008
Here was a group that couldn't make a bad record if they tried. They were just so damn good ! ! ! ! I was residing in Boston when they made ""M T A"" so naturally it would be one of my favorites. RIP NICK..
Madeline Torres
October 3, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
October 3, 2008
Oh, the joy you gave me....
CT
Jeanette Andrews
October 3, 2008
I was a teen in the 50's and loved the Trio. I still have every album that was released. Still play them. You are now singing in the Heavenly Choir and one day we will hear you in person again. Rest in peace Nick, you were the greatest.
William Glenn
October 3, 2008
The Trio was and always will be my favorite group. Their music greatly influenced my life and will remain a part of it forever. Nick, "you don't knock, you just walk on in"
Judy Haley
October 3, 2008
I loved the Kingston Trio. They were a big part of my teen-age years. I still use some of their songs in my music classes. My deepest sympathy to the family.
D. ZIMMERMAN
October 3, 2008
REST IN PEACE NICK REYNOLDS
John Doe
October 3, 2008
We will miss you Nick. Nobody rocked harder...
Hummingbird
October 3, 2008
RIP Nick! Condolences to your family. I too loved and grew up with your music in the UK.
Tom Pillion
October 3, 2008
The Kingston Trio of the late '50's and early '60's was a major influence in my desire and motivation to play guitar and sing. So many great songs and memories, and I loved the on-stage interaction, humor and vitality among Nick and the rest of the group. Thank you, Nick; may you rest in peace and may God's peace carry you and the rest of your family during this difficult time.
Mary Puccinelli
October 3, 2008
Nick Reynolds was an important part of my teenage years. I loved "The Kingston Trip" and knew the words to all of their songs. I remember going to a concert in Chicago at the Civic Opera Bldg in the early 60's. Thanks for the memories.
Gail Harris
October 3, 2008
My dad turned me onto the Kingston Trio with the 45 RPM of "MTA" and I have been a fan ever since. Nick will be missed, but hopefully he is reunited with Dave and John making music, waiting for Bob. "Et tu, Charlie?"
Kam H
October 3, 2008
Great group, great singer, great spirit. You will be missed, but your music will live on forever. Music just isn't what it used to be. Now your singing in Heaven. (Pennington, NJ)
Charles Bennett
October 3, 2008
I loved your music. I'm so sorry for your families lost.
Nancy Catalano
October 3, 2008
I loved your music in the 60's and sang along with your albums often. If I were to put on an album today, it would feels like a visit to an old friend. How wonderful to have left so many people with great memories.
Ginny Hunter
October 3, 2008
To the Reynolds family and band: I grew up listening to the Kingston Trio as they were one of my parents favorite groups. However, I would willingly play their album with "Tom Dooley" on it, over and over and over. Thank you, all, for giving me some wonderful memories. Mr. Reynolds, welcome to "Music Heaven"!!
Ginny Gritz Hunter
Julie Stricker
October 3, 2008
I grew up listening to the Kingston Trio and now my daughter is doing the same. Thank you for the music.
Carol Short
October 3, 2008
I grew up in the 60s and loved the Kingston Trio ~ such beautiful voices. May God be with his family as they give thanks for all the wonderful memories they share.
Vicky Kujawa
October 3, 2008
Thank you for the great music! God bless.
Carolyn Anderson
October 3, 2008
Condolences to the Reynolds family. I absolutely adored and still listen to the wonderful songs from the Kingston Trio. My parents loved them and brought their music in to my life as well. Nick brought many wonderful memories into my life with his work.
Betty Maguire
October 3, 2008
Your music has been an old friend since the late fifties. I still put the Trio cd's on in my car and sing a long. You have influenced a great many people with your music. May God Bless.
Susan W.
October 3, 2008
My parents loved the Kingston Trio, therefore I grew up loving them as well! You will be sorely missed. I hope your family will take some comfort from the fact that you made so many people happy, and gave them many wonderful memories! Rest In Peace.
Selinda Mahan
October 3, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Reynolds family at this very difficult time. I have every album that the Kingston Trio made and will always love their folk style music. I watched a Kingston Trio concert back in the 50's at Wesleyan University in Connecticut when my brother was a student and he took me to the concert. From that moment on, I loved the Kingston Trio. Tom Dooley was one and still is one of my favorite songs. God bless Nick, his family, and may the wonderful memories you have and all the fans and friends of Nick give you strength.
Rebecca Wright
October 3, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Nick's death. I have enjoyed the Kingston Trio since I was introduced to it in the '80s. My parents had all their records and I spent many happy hours listening to them. Tom Dooley was a special favorite and began a lifelong love of folk music. Thank you so much for that gift.
David White
October 3, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Reynolds' family. In the late 50s and early 60s The Kingston Trio turned me onto folk music and to singing. I bought every album they made and memorized every song. They were a huge part of my life during that period. I will always remember them.
Paul Tate
October 3, 2008
Thank you Nick for all the great music over the years. The music in heaven is a little sweeter tonight now that you've joined the choir. God bless you.
Clint Langley
October 3, 2008
Thanks N ick for turning me on to the greatest music ever. Your music has been a part of many of our lives. It's sad that we have lost you and John Stewart in the same year.You will be greatly missed by all of us that enjoyed your music over these many years. "There have been many songs written about the eternal triangle." The eternal triangle for us will always be the Kingston Trio.
Henryk Zaleski
October 3, 2008
Thank you for the music.Rest in peace.
Anonymous
October 3, 2008
You guys did such great songs that I enjoyed throughout the years!
G*d bless!
Daniels
October 3, 2008
Our sympathies are offered to the Reynolds family on your loss. May you find comfort in your memories. (Ps 83:18)
CheryLee Wilson
October 3, 2008
I remember this group so well. It launched my interest in playing an instrument. I actually got a guitar and started playing some folk songs. The Beatles showed up and got in the way. Didn't realize that a revolution was underway in the music community. WOW! My deepest sympathy to the Reynolds Family.
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