One of the
finest and most influential products of early american
folk-rock, the kingston trio are a staple and defining voice of the genre. The group was begun by
Bob Shane,
Nick Reynolds, and
Dave Guard, who thought they were playing Jamaican music (hence the name) until they were informed that they were at the fore of the folk-rock movement. Guard was later replaced by
John Stewart. Their sound is marked by solid three-part vocal harmonies supported by
acoustic guitars and
banjo.