audiobook New York Then and Now (New York City) by Edward B. Watson; Edmund V. Gillon in Arts-Photography

Review

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A Phenomenal and Comprehensive BiographyBy Charles M. MannThis book does a phenomenal job of elevating the importance of The Kingston Trio and clearly establishing them as the most talented; original; and influential American musical group in history. In spite of the perception that they were little more than a laid-back folk trio who just happened to be at the right place at the right time; Greenback Dollar shows all these guys were serious performers and musicians from an early age; and that their musical knowledge and influences was so extensive blending folk; jazz; Hawaiian with a Mariachi instrumental sound and harmonies; that as Bob Shane says late in the book; their music was not folk music at all; but world music. The book details that the magic of the Trio was that they produced records and gave performances that made them and their music accessible; yet no one else was ever able to come close to capturing their energy or sound.As someone who has followed the Trio since I was eight years old I was skeptical that a 2013 biography could add much to what I already knew about the group; especially since all but original member Bob Shane have been dead for so long. However it is clear Bush has been researching this book since at least 1986; and he has done extensive interviews with not only all the Trio members; but virtually every important person connected with them from the time they were born through today. This is a well-written and insightful book and will be a delight to not only to KINGSTON TRIO fans; but a good source of inspiration for anyone who really wants to know what it takes to have a successful music career.My only complaint is that this book is not available as an e-Book. I spent several hours carefully cutting the book apart and then scanning it into a PDF file so I could read it on my iPad.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A great read about Americas best (in my opinion) folk groupBy Daniel MuhsLike one of the earlier reviewers; Ive been a fan of the Kingston Trio since 1958; when I was 8 years old and "Tom Dooley" hit the airwaves. Ive loved every album they recorded (and that is a LOT of albums) and still play them to this day. While many other folk groups seem to be remembered fondly because they were more "political;" the Kingston Trio never attempted to be overtly political nor did they try to capitalize on what was "politically correct" at the time. They concentrated on their music and entertaining; and as founding member Bob Shane has often said; they were entertainers first and foremost. Because of this; they often got a bum rap from the "purist" folk community. This never bothered me all these years; because who cares? Their music was (and still IS) just so damn good! They put more heart and soul into their music; in my view; than most of the politically correct folk groups whose music was never as entertaining. The Kingston Trios music was truly some of the first "world" music; with songs coming from the American West and South; Appalachia; Polynesia; the Caribbean; Latin America; Africa; Britain; Ireland... its incredible; when you think about it. They worked hard; played hard and their concerts and recordings rang with emotion; truly from the heart.These are some of the themes that Bill Bush explores in this meticulously researched and lovingly written history of what is arguably Americas most influential folk group. Bill clearly has nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for these guys; yet is not afraid to show them as the all-too-human folks that they are; just like all the rest of us. This kind of writing requires a delicate balance; and Bill nails it somehow. I have always thought it a pity that so little has been written about the Kingston Trio over the years; so this wonderful book is a most welcome addition to the music literature. It is entertaining from start to finish--I read the whole thing in about two sittings. Highly recommended; and thanks Bill; for filling a big gap in the literature of Americas musical heritage.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Kingston Trio Fans Will Love This BookBy CaddyHIf James Michener wrote a book about The Kingston Trio; I think it would be much like Bill Bushs Greenback Dollar. The wealth of background material; including detailed relationships between people; places and events and the just plain in-depth research are very impressive. Like Micheners works; this book Illuminates an overlooked; too-often-forgotten; not-well-understood piece of history.Like so many people who were putting the final touches on their identities when The Kingston Trio emerged; I couldnt wait to get their next album or get to their next concert...neither of which ever disappointed. I used to sit in class; half-listening to the professor while practicing 5-string finger picking on a sheet of paper with banjo strings drawn on it. Thanks to Bill Bushs book; I now understand why I did that. And; when I listen to my old Kingston Trio records; see those striped shirts on the album covers; and re-read the liner notes; the memories are better than ever.