Gold

The song "Gold" by John Stewart, from his 1979 album Bombs Away Dream Babies, is a shimmering slice of late-'70s soft rock that captures the California dream with a cynical edge. One juicy piece of trivia is that Stevie Nicks, of Fleetwood Mac fame, lent her unmistakable backing vocals to the track, while Lindsey Buckingham, also from Fleetwood Mac, played guitar and co-produced the album. However, despite their contributions, Nicks doesn't appear in the song’s music video, which features Stewart performing with a band. Stewart himself later dissed "Gold," calling it "vapid" and "empty" in interviews, admitting he wrote it for the money and to please his label, RSO Records. He even stopped performing it live, feeling it lacked personal meaning. Ironically, this "throwaway" tune became his biggest hit, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s creation process. Stewart penned "Gold" after leaving the folk group The Kingston Trio, inspired by the music industry’s glitz and the California lifestyle. The lyrics, with lines like “people out there turnin’ music into gold,” reflect both admiration and a jab at the commercialization of art. Fans on platforms like Reddit have debated the song’s authenticity, noting that a later version on Stewart’s Airdream Believer album featured Sara Hickman instead of Nicks, sparking confusion among listeners trying to track down the original. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its continued play on classic rock radio, with one reviewer on Amazon recalling blasting it on an 8-track while cruising Virginia’s Eastern Shore in 1979, a testament to its nostalgic pull.

John Stewart’s journey to "Gold" began in San Diego, California, where he was born on September 5, 1939. The son of a horse trainer, he grew up in Southern California, soaking in the region’s laid-back vibe. As a teenager, he formed a rock group called John Stewart and the Furies in Pomona, channeling his love for Elvis Presley. After graduating from Pomona Catholic High School in 1957, he attended Mt. San Antonio Junior College, where he dove into music and theater. His big break came in 1961 when he joined The Kingston Trio, replacing Dave Guard. The Trio, a powerhouse in the late-'50s folk revival, had already scored a gold record with “Tom Dooley.” Stewart’s songwriting and performance skills helped keep the group relevant, contributing to their lucrative Capitol Records deal and influencing artists like Bob Dylan and John Denver.

After leaving The Kingston Trio in 1967, Stewart went solo, scoring a songwriting hit with The Monkees’ #1 single “Daydream Believer.” His 1969 album California Bloodlines became a cult classic, though commercial success eluded him until Bombs Away Dream Babies. Stewart’s career spanned over 40 years, with nearly 50 albums and over 600 songs, many released on his own Neon Dreams label. He remained active until his death in 2008, even collaborating with former Trio members Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane at the Trio Fantasy Camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. His legacy lives on through songs covered by artists like Nanci Griffith and Rosanne Cash.

Unfortunately, John Stewart’s official online presence is limited due to his passing in 2008. There is no active official website, but fans can explore his music and legacy through platforms like Apple Music for discography details. His official Facebook page remains a hub for fans, sharing updates and memories. No official Instagram or X accounts exist under his name, but fan-driven spaces keep his spirit alive. The fan website Swan Shadow offers a heartfelt tribute to Bombs Away Dream Babies, while Cooper Street Relic lists it among overlooked gems. On Facebook, the Kingston Trio fan group often discusses Stewart’s contributions, connecting Zoo Freaks with fellow enthusiasts.