Yesterday morning I learned that a man who helped influence my life musically from a very young age had passed away from a heart attack. His name was Tom "T-Bone" Wolk and he was bassist/guitarist and eventually musical director for my favorite group, Daryl Hall and John Oates. He also worked with the likes of Carly Simon and appeared as a member of the Saturday Night Live Band.
Now, while I would never claim T-Bone and I were friends, I did have the honor of meeting and speaking with him a couple times several years ago and I can say without a doubt that he was an extraordinary man. He was beyond impressive musically, had a great sense of humor (which was obvious onstage and off) and he was gracious to his fans. When he could have understandably avoided fan contact off-stage he willing showed up to fan get-togethers and mingled with those of us who were lucky enough to attend. It is something that will stick in my mind for all of my life.
My first memory of T-Bone is when I was about 12 years old and watching videos on MTV. He was the one standing almost completely still during "Private Eyes". He looked so out of his element back then. He was always the quiet, shy guy who never vied for camera time. Now, to see him on Daryl Hall's monthly internet show, Live From Daryl's House, we got to see what had to be the real T-Bone. He always seemed so relaxed and happy and purely excited about the musical guests joining Daryl.
My first memory of T-Bone is when I was about 12 years old and watching videos on MTV. He was the one standing almost completely still during "Private Eyes". He looked so out of his element back then. He was always the quiet, shy guy who never vied for camera time. Now, to see him on Daryl Hall's monthly internet show, Live From Daryl's House, we got to see what had to be the real T-Bone. He always seemed so relaxed and happy and purely excited about the musical guests joining Daryl.
As an adult, I taught my daughter to enjoy and respect Daryl Hall and John Oates. As a result she learned T-Bone's name a a very early age. When I saw the tears fill her eyes yesterday when I told her the news of his death, I knew that T-Bone had won over yet another generation of music lovers.
I'm not sure what a Hall & Oates concert will be like without T-Bone. He, along with Charlie DeChant, has been a main player for so many years I cannot fathom what it will be or sound like without him. I do not think I've seen Hall & Oates without T-Bone being onstage too. It is a reality that I, as a fan, never thought I'd have to face. While I am absolutely sure that he would want the music to play on, I will miss his casual style and the joy he had on stage.
I would like to thank T-Bone for all the music he brought to my life. Thank you for all the fun times and never forgetting your fans. Rest In Peace.
I'm not sure what a Hall & Oates concert will be like without T-Bone. He, along with Charlie DeChant, has been a main player for so many years I cannot fathom what it will be or sound like without him. I do not think I've seen Hall & Oates without T-Bone being onstage too. It is a reality that I, as a fan, never thought I'd have to face. While I am absolutely sure that he would want the music to play on, I will miss his casual style and the joy he had on stage.
I would like to thank T-Bone for all the music he brought to my life. Thank you for all the fun times and never forgetting your fans. Rest In Peace.
Beautiful, Jami. I second all your thoughts.. I don't know how it will be going to a show and not seeing him over to the left.. but then again, we don't know if we will see a show after this.
ReplyDeleteRight now it's day to day.. to day, to day... and I want Daryl and John to take all the time they need. I hope that they get the strength to continue.. I know T-Bone would want the music to go on playing...