Roger Gambill, 42; Member of Kingston Trio

Roger Gambill, who joined the Kingston Trio in 1976, died Wednesday in Atlanta after a heart attack and stroke. He was 42.

Nick Heyl, president of the recording label Xeres, for which the trio records, said Gambill, of Roswell, Ga., died at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He said Gambill suffered a heart attack three weeks ago, followed by a stroke a week later, while visiting his parents in North Wilkesboro, N.C. He was brought to Atlanta for further treatment.

Heyl said the stroke left Gambill partially paralyzed and unable to speak.

The original Kingston Trio--Bob Shane, Dave Guard and Nick Reynolds--rose to fame in the late 1950s with such folk ballads as “Tom Dooley,” “Scotch and Soda,” “MTA” and “Greenback Dollar.”

Shane, the only original member still with the trio, started a comeback in the late 1970s, adding Gambill and George Grove. They appeared before college audiences, in symphony concert halls and were such a success that they were on the road 37 weeks a year at Gambill’s death. They also made three television specials in the last four years.

Heyl said Gambill’s remains will be cremated and memorial services will be held Sunday in North Wilkesboro.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife Catherine and three daughters.