January 21, 2008 23:27

Monkees' 'Daydream Believer' songwriter dies

John Stewart collaborated with Stevie Nicks, Joan Baez

John Stewart, a singer-songwriter who collaborated with several rock and folk legends and penned the Monkees' hit 'Daydream Believer', passed away on Saturday (January 19) at the age of 68.

In addition to writing songs for the Monkees, Joan Baez and Roseanne Cash among others, Stewart was a member of the renowned American folk band the Kingston Trio.

Stewart died of a brain aneurism at a San Diego, California hospital while surrounded by family and friends, according to the Kingston Trio's website.

He is credited with helping launch the American folk movement that influenced Bob Dylan and Baez, among others.

"He was a lovely man and a very gentle soul and I guess the only thing you can say today is that the world is less one great songwriter," the Monkees' Micky Dolenz told the Associated Press.

Stewart was reportedly working on a solo album just before his death.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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