Biography


Tom Flegal was born in Winchester, Va., but his family moved to Florida when he was in second grade. Growing up in the frontier atmosphere of Florida in the late 50's and early 60's, living amid the trailer parks around Orlando, Tom's guitar playing father introduced him to the music of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, and Patsy Cline.

Working as a hoer in the watermelon fields of Floriday Tom came to hear the traditional songs of the field hands. Starting on harmonica, at age 12 Tom got his first electric guitar and amplifier. Influenced by the music of Chuck Berry, Lonnie Mack, James Burton, and Steve Cropper he dove into his first swamp band at 15.

Turning towards R&B, Tom played with Chick Lamar & The Crowns in Gainesville and Little Johnny Ace out of Lakeland. With another group, The Twilighters, he toured the south, Tampa, Daytona, Waycross, Jacksonville , Mobile, and beyond. Moving to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, Tom stayed busy in a Top-40 beach band, eventually moving once again, to central Florida and a stint doing solo work, or with a trio.

Eventually Tom returned to Virginia, and Winchester. He started out playing with country groups in the usual fraternal organizations, private parties, and small clubs in the area, but for the most part performs solo.

In 2002 Tom released a CD titled Proud Sponsor. He is recording more material to be added to a future re-mastering and re-release of the collection.

To buy the CD, click here.


Home· Schedule · Contact Information · Links · Biography ·

Comments?