Timothy J. Tobias, American pianist and composer (d. 2006)
Timothy John Tobias (1 July 1952 – 23 December 2006) was an American composer and musician.
Tobias worked on the soundtracks to the films Fame, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, The Flintstones, The Sandlot, Medium Rare, and on Steven Spielberg's "Movie Maker". He also performed in shows by Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., Rita Moreno, and Barry Manilow, and did studio work with Sister Sledge, Curtis Mayfield, Al Stewart, and Ramsey Lewis.
Tobias was born in Chicago, Illinois, and became an all-rounder who was equally at home composing feature films, playing live, or producing.
Jazz Artist: He released three albums of his own music, including Mister Cat, Speaking in Tones which is received praise among the jazz community across the country, and his latest release Transcention. He played at The Chicago Jazz Festival, Green Dolphin Street, Pops for Champagne, Joe's BeBop Cafe, The Backroom, and just about every other jazz venue in Chicago.
Composer: Tim worked on the soundtrack to Fame and wrote additional music for the feature films, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, The Flintstones, The Sandlot, Medium Rare, and A Piece of Eden. His compositions were also included on Steven Spielberg's Movie Maker from Knowledge Adventure and on many commercials. He was the composer for the television show - WTTW's show, Wild Chicago: Illinois Roadtrip, starring Ben Hollis.
Producer/Arranger: He was musical director to multiple artists and his background as a studio musician included work for such great recording artists as Sister Sledge, Curtis Mayfield, Al Stewart, and Ramsey Lewis. He also produced albums for David Crawford, The Roach Brothers, Ben Hollis, and Angelo Badalamenti. Tim Tobias owned and operated Beachaus Music, Inc. from 2001 to 2006.
Keyboard Player: Live performances included playing shows with the likes of Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., and Rita Moreno—which earned him a solid reputation as an in-demand keyboardist. He played synthesizer for the world premiere of Could It Be Magic, directed by Barry Manilow, and several other original musicals at the Royal George Theatre, and most recently at the Goodman Theatre for Purlie.