Tommy McClung

Photographed by Paul Shoul

Memories

Libby Spencer: Tom. Another dear friend with stories too long to tell here. I still feel his untimely loss with a physical ache in my heart. Still thinking about Tom. He played the piano like no one else could.

Maureen Scanlon: Oh Tom. Why’d you have to leave us? I visited him a couple of times in Paris. It suited him well. I still can hear his playing, and his gentle voice…

Stacy Page: He played piano at my wedding. He wasn’t happy there was a missing key on the piano at Deerfield Inn

Melanie Blackbird: My dad got him some early gigs w his group and I took lessons from him as well. Just an amazingly talented, kind soul, and soo missed in the valley…

Andy Turrett: Tom was a regular at the Iron Horse. I remember one time Bobby McFerrin called Tom in from outside who was watching Bobby’s sold out show from the sidewalk. Bobby went out to sing to the sidewalk watchers and while out there Bobby asked if anyone played piano. Tom said he did and was invited in to play a couple tunes. There was an electric piano there from earlier in the set from when Jack DeJohnette played a couple songs. What a night!

Amy Bottke Heflin: Might be the best musician born and bred in the Valley