You Don't Knock By The Kingston Trio

The original Kingston Trio of Dave Guard, Bob Shane, and Nick Reynolds perform a rousing spiritual from their ninth album, 1961's "Goin' Places" - the last one to feature Guard, who was to leave the group in the middle of that year, replaced by John Stewart.

The origins of "You Don't Knock" are unclear. It was brought to widespread attention by a mid-1950s recording by The Staple Singers, credited to Roebucks "Pop" Staples, though earlier versions are attributed as traditional and/or to Ceder Walton and Wesley Westbrooks. This arrangement is credited as "Arranged By Dave Guard." In all likelihood, the song is traditional, and the multiple copyrights reflect different versions that were copyrighted for publishing royalties, a common practice with public domain songs at the time.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• KingstonTrio
• folk
• spiritual
• YouDon'tKnock

[psakbar]

This is such a great song! I'm looking for Dave Guard's book on synesthesia. Any ideas?

[CompVid101]

@psakbar - it's out of print - it was published in about '68 and called "Colour Guitar." Ebay is a possibility, I suppose. Dave's son is a friend of mine and I'll ask him if he knows of any remaining copies.

[CadillacL]

Ohh, that's awesome!

[psakbar]

That would be so great! . . . . Looking back, I realize the Kingston Trio were "musical mentors" who taught me everything about shape, form, harmony, and that bit of grit that makes a pearl. (And years later, as a professional symphony violinist, I was thrilled to play with Bob Shane and the new trio several times in the 70s.) Please relay to Dave's son how inspiring his father was as a musician and how curious I am about his adventures into the metaphysical aspects of music.

[daughterofRMS]

Thought I'd heard every song these guys ever sang- WRONG! This one got past me, so thanks so much for enlightening my old ears!

[XMLarry]

have shared this song at church on more than one occasion.