Tommy is a multifaceted international artist who wrote, co-wrote, and recorded, six top ten hits between 1962, and 1969, more than any other single artist/songwriter during this period of the 60's, with four RIAA certified
... Tommy is a multifaceted international artist who wrote, co-wrote, and recorded, six top ten hits between 1962, and 1969, more than any other single artist/songwriter during this period of the 60's, with four RIAA certified gold records, and two of his hits, "SHEILA" and "DIZZY," topping the Billboard chart at #1.
Tommy's song, "DEVIL'S SOUL PILE," is a good example of the broad range of his song writing. Written in 2005, and included on his CD, “SALUTE,” this song was inspired by the many TV programs, and newspaper articles regarding street crime in Los Angeles, and the stories told by some of the young men involved. Although a departure from his established style of song writing, it is written with the same warmth, and sensitivity of his earlier works.
Born in Atlanta Georgia, USA, Tommy started singing and writing songs at the age of fourteen. In high school, Tommy, and two friends, Mike Clark and Bobby West, formed a band called The Satins. In addition to neighborhood gigs, Tommy and The Satins played high school dances, and fraternity parties at Georgia Tech, and the university of Georgia. It was during this time that Tommy met Felton Jarvis, who would latter become his producer.
In February, 1962, Tommy along with Felton Jarvis, and his new manager, Bill Lowery, drove from Atlanta to Nashville, and recorded two songs; "Save Your Kisses," and "Sheila." The single was released, and "Sheila" soon became the number one hit around the world. Little did Tommy know, this would be the beginning of a career that would propel him into the spotlight for life.
In 1986, Tommy was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and joined a prestigious list of talented Georgians who hold this honor. Tommy is proud of his Georgia roots, and considers this award very special.
If you haven't had the chance to enjoy some of Tommy's music, pick up one of his latest "Greatest Hits" CD's and plug into an original. Tommy's music is warm and friendly and sure to put a smile on your face. His song, "Dizzy," (Gold, #1 Billboard Magazine, 1969) was one of his biggest hits, along with "Jam Up and Jelly Tight," (Gold, #8 Billboard Magazine, 1969) "Sheila," (Gold, #1 Billboard Magazine, 1962) "Sweet Pea," (Gold, #8 Billboard Magazine, 1966) "Hooray for Hazel," (#6 Billboard Magazine, 1966) and "Everybody," (#3 Billboard Magazine, 1963). Some of his best songs may not ring a bell until you hear them. They include "It's Now Winters Day," "The Folk Singer," and "Heather Honey."
In the entertainment world, and especially the music business, it is extremely easy to categorize acts and artists and be done with it. Occasionally, however, an artist comes along who cannot be stuck so neatly into one niche or another, an artist whose creativity is too broadly based. Tommy Roe is one of those people.
