History of the JOURNEYMEN | #244

The folk revival hit its height by the early 1960s and several new artists flooded the folk market like Joan Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan, the Modern Folk Quartet, and the Journeymen. Featuring John Phillips, Dick Weissman and Scott McKenzie, the Journeymen were an important piece in the transition from folk to folk-rock and Matt covers the Journeymen's career that crossed paths with the Big 3, the Halifax Three, the Mugwumps and all the fine artists within those groups

[steveleblanc]

I can't hear this era of music without remembering Martin Mull. When he came to Toronto, he mentioned how he had started out as a musician "during the Folk scare of the early sixties".

[Steve]

It’s amazing to see these clean cut folk singers many of whom became hippie rock starts within a few years. Such a transformation and the creation of new music.

[michaelrochester]

I see one of the songs was a collaboration between John Phillips and John Stewart from The Kingston Trio. They were the Beatles of folk music in the early 60s. John Stewart even had a hit in the 70s with Stevie Nicks, “Gold” and he wrote daydream believer for the Monkees

[John_Fugazzi]

I was a big fan of the Journeymen in junior high school. It would be 1961-62 (probably 7th grade) when we had a young music teacher, Miss Livesay, who was straight out of college, She had long, straight dark hair and was probably kind of bohemian. I guess the school let her make her own curriculum because she brought in all these folk albums, explaining the music, the songs, even the difference between the folk purists and the pop folk groups like the Brothers Four, etc. One of them was the Journeymen and I got the introductory album and played it to death. I could still sing any of the songs on that album. She also introduced us to Judy Collins, Joan Baez and others. What a cool music teacher she was.

[amandagerrish]

Interesting bit of musical history, Matt, thanks. I began listening to music in late 1963, just as I was turning 10-years-old. I was dimly aware of the folk music scene (mostly via Peter, Paul and Mary and Bob Dylan), but I had little interest at the time. I was all about the British Invasion, especially the Beatles. The Journeymen were simply not on my radar back then. Looking back, it's interesting to see how folk music evolved into folk-rock, of which I was (and remain) a big fan (Mamas & Papas, Byrds, Lovin' Spoonful, Dylan, etc.). The Journeymen played a bigger role than I ever knew.

[revvyhevvy]

Thanks! Your post explained the Mamas and Papas origins which I was unaware of before!
I recall hearing 'San Francisco' by Scott McKenzie on the radio as a pre-teen while being in that city! Had heard of the Mugwumps before, but you really filled in the gaps. Thanks, and look forward to future posts!
69 yr old Zep fan from Cali, but transplanted to
Idaho at 6 yrs!

[scottjones]

Matt, this was a great episode, impeccable research and nice visuals/photos.

[howardschultzberg]

Matt --- as a fellow record collector ---- And as much as I knew about them, you provided a lot more interesting revelations AND fantastic photos of not only the Journeymen, but also photos of KT, PP&M, et al, and I love your using the Glenn's LP cover for the Hungry i Blondheim had a tough time being Scott McKenzie but he made his mark in R&R history with John's 1967 Hippie Anthem. Thank you !!!

[rogertemple]

I really enjoyed old folk music groups like this especially the Kingston Trio and other groups like this thank you.🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶

[wonsworld]

brilliant analogy.. "apprenticeship" in a truly wonderful in depth study .. Thank you Matt

[wyliesmith]

Matt, This episode was WAY more entertaining and informative than I would have (aka did) expect. I knew quite a few of the facts, but you strung them together exquisitely. And most of your judgments were right on the money. The first album cover for the Journeymen is excellent, and more pleasing to my eye. A lot of the covers that I have seen from this time period have a virtually blank background, but this picture is a pleasing landscape by itself. And your comment about Dick Weissman being the secret sauce is just so apt. Personally, I get tired of endless acoustic guitars, but the banjo parts really jumped out at me. Banjos, mandolins, and fiddles add a varied sonic palette that draws me in.
And I loved those early 60s print Schlitz ads. "the beer that made Milwaukee famous" (and Pabst) were always preferred to Bud and Miller High Life ("the champagne of bottled beer"). And let me second Neal's opinion about quickly switching images. An extremely well done piece of work.

[EricSchultz-zshz]

This is a very well done and informative history of the Journeymen and the other groups which eventually led to the formation of The Mamas and the Papas. It is interesting to see examples of musicians coming together in 2s and 3s, before forming something bigger. (for example, Buffalo Springfield having both Stephen Stills and Neil Young, and them doing a set with David Crosby at Monterey Pop). We can see how some creative people kind of gravitate together over time. I always enjoy your band histories.

[edwardgonczy]

I wasn't sure I would find this interesting, but it was riveting. Absolutely superb job (especially about when they all dosed and decided to give "folk rock" a chance). Oh, that dreaded LSD.

[williamglenn]

FANTASTIC! So Glad You documented these guys!

[bruceink]

Excellent overview of the complicated overlapping of so many early '60s folk groups, Matt. Folk-pop did continue for a while with groups like We Five, but yes, it did have to make way for rock's revolution. That's why it made perfect sense for the formation of the Mamas and the Papas as really more of a pop-rock group, for which I give much credit to their producer, Lou Adler.

[michaelrochester]

As a fan of the Mamas and the Papas I am very impressed and I will let Chynna know about this episode! As I corresponded a lot with her on Instagram

[stevenkouns]

I have the Magic Circle CD. Its really good. They need to make a compilation disc that start from The Smoothies and go down the timeline to the end of their careers.

[pommelhorsepommelhorse]

Michelle Phillips autobiography is a great read - if you can find it. She describes opening the door and seeing Cass for the first time, just as she was peaking on acid. Welcome to the 60s!

[lyndarosborough]

This is sooo great - thanks Matt ! … (and hello again from your friendly vocal group singer from Halifax) Your work on these histories is stellar ! … cheers! 🌟

[leesanna]

Matt, thank you for tackling the Folk genre, it's often overlooked, looking forward to your usual impeccable presentation to this great music 🪕