428. The Kingston Trio

It couldn’t have been easy. If you try to name a successful Folk group before the Kingston Trio, chances are you will struggle to come up with one. The Kingston Trio was not only the first real successful Folk group; they created a demand that never existed. While Rock was booming, those who felt disenchanted with the new genre found Folk both fresh and traditional at the same time. Because they were not as politicized as the Folk stars who came later, the Kingston Trio may not have received the credit that they should have, but they had the respect of many musicians and could be responsible for catapulting the acoustic revolution as much as anyone.

The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

1983

Country of Origin:

U.S.A. (Palo Alto, CA)

Nominated In:

Never

Why They Will Get In:

They opened up massive doors that other Folk artists crashed through.

Why They Won’t Get In:

They were not as respected critically as other Folk groups.

Essential Albums:

The Kingston Trio (1958)

At Large (1959)

Here We Go Again! (1959)

Sold Out (1960)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

Tom Dooley (From The Kingston Trio, 1958)

Scotch and Soda (From The Kingston Trio, 1958)

All My Sorrows (From At Large, 1959)

Across the Wide Missouri (From Here We Go Again!, 1959)

Raspberries, Strawberries (From Sold Out, 1960)