Tommy Caldwell (musician)

Thomas Michael "Tommy" Caldwell (November 9, 1949 – April 28, 1980) was the bassist and original frontman for The Marshall Tucker Band between 1973 and 1980.

Tommy Caldwell
Birth nameThomas Michael Caldwell
Also known asTommy Caldwell
Born(1949-11-09)November 9, 1949
Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S.
DiedApril 28, 1980(1980-04-28) (aged 30)
Moore, South Carolina, U.S.
GenresSouthern rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
InstrumentsBass, vocals, drums
Years active1973–1980
Associated actsThe Marshall Tucker Band

Caldwell composed several of their songs and played bass, percussion, guitar, as well as contributing backup vocals, though he sang lead on "Melody Ann" the only song on which he performed lead vocals. His last performance with the band was on April 18, 1980, ten days before his fatal accident. The performance is captured on the 2006 release, Live on Long Island.

A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, he died from injuries suffered when his Land Cruiser clipped a parked 1965 Ford Galaxie on April 28, 1980, at the age of 30.[1] He was the younger brother of bandmate and band co-founder, Toy Caldwell. Another brother, Tim Caldwell, also died in a traffic accident one month before Tommy, on March 28, 1980, at age 25.[2][3][4]

The Charlie Daniels Band's 1980 album Full Moon is dedicated to Caldwell.

References
  1. The Death of Marshall Tucker Band's Tommy Caldwell
  2. Abbie Caldwell Interview, tuckerhead.com, 1998 (retrieved 23 January 2015).
  3. The Gamecock, 30 April 1980, Page 11, Image 19 (retrieved 23 January 2015).
  4. Tim Caldwell gravestone photo, slobotabouttown.com (retrieved 23 January 2015).


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.