Tommy Bolin
Biography
It's hard to listen to the music of Tommy Bolin and not wonder what could've been if the exceptionally talented (and versatile) guitarist hadn't succumbed to a senseless drug overdose at the age of 25 -- just as his career appeared to be taking off. In a recording career that lasted only several years, Bolin not only touched upon several styles (blues-rock, ballads, fusion, funk, reggae, and heavy metal), but showed that he could master each one -- as evidenced by his two solo albums and various recordings with the likes of Zephyr, Billy Cobham, Alphonse Mouzon, the James Gang, Deep Purple, and Moxy. Born in Sioux City, IA, on August 1, 1951, Bolin tried the drums and piano as a youngster, but by the age of 13 began playing the guitar. It wasn't long before he was jamming with local rock outfits, and three years later he was expelled from school for refusing to cut his long hair. Undeterred, Bolin relocated to Denver, CO, where he formed his first real band, American Standard. By the end of the '60s, Bolin found himself in the blues-rock outfit Zephyr, led by Candy Givens. Despite high hopes, the group was never able to translate their local success from coast to coast (despite Bolin's talents supposedly grabbing the attention of guitarists whom Zephyr opened up for -- including Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page).
Selected Discography
Teaser
1975
I have both of his records on vinyl but no way to play them so I was very happy to see his music back again in the now. Peace brother, you are missed.
Brad M. |
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Years slip by then one day you go...what ever happened to all that Bolin stuff and bam you find Johnnie did a good thing... I know you Johnny and have played with you on 19th street and in Minn. Coming out of this last Brain surgery I found something for memory .. Good for SUX .. Thanks Johnnie
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A buddy of mine has the private eyes album on record. :D My favorite song has to be poast toastee, because my father was the most nostalgic about his dead head days when he was raising us, and that song was one of the songs that was sang to me going to sleep asa kid, along with "Mercedez Benz" by Janis Joplin. lol
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I saw Tommy the night he died. He opened for Jeff Beck at the Miami Jai-alai
fronton in Florida. He died in his hotel room at the Newport hotel. This was next to the Newport pier on Colins Av. He put on a great show and seemed to be happy that night. |
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I saw Zepher in PDX early 70's with Bolin, but didn't know it was him at the time...later bought the Private Eyes album--could n ' t get enough. He was great. Terrible loss.
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Teaser what an album - and yes- Phil Collins played drums on this lp -
Tommy Bolin an excellent guitat player - and from a drummer is a compliment. |
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reminds me of my childhood with my dad listening to him from Private Eyes and TEaser.
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Should I ever be stranded on an island, with only 3 or so albums to listen to,
"Teaser" & "Private Eyes" would be my 1st 2 choices. Without a doubt. Talent such as T.B.'s are rare indeed-comin g around once every generation or so, in my humble opinion, of course. |
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FROM THE FIRST TIME I SAW TOMMY BOLIN ( ZEPHER ) IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS WHEN I WAS A KID I NEW HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MUSICIAN. WHAT MADE THAT DAY SPECIAL WAS THE FACT A GUY CAME UP TO ME AFTER ZEPHERS SET AND ASK WHAT DID YOU THINK. I SAID IT WAS GREAT.WITHOU T REALIZING IT WAS TOMMY BOLIN ASKING THE QUESTION. HEY MAN YOUR THE GUITAR PLAYER ! HE JUST SMILED . THAT WAS A VERY SPECIAL FOR ME!!!!! D.E.AYALA
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FROM THE FIRST TIME I SAW TOMMY BOLIN ( ZEPHER ) IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS WHEN I WAS A KID I NEW HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MUSICIAN. WHAT MADE THAT DAY SPECIAL WAS THE FACT A GUY CAME UP TO ME AFTER ZEPHERS SET AND ASK WHAT DID YOU THINK. I SAID IT WAS GREAT.WITHOU T REALIZING IT WAS TOMMY BOLIN ASKING THE QUESTION. HEY MAN YOUR THE GUITAR PLAYER ! HE JUST SMILED . THAT WAS A VERY SPECIAL FOR ME!!!!! D.E.AYALA
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