Tommy Caldwell, American bass player (b. 1949)
Thomas Michael Caldwell (November 9, 1949 – April 28, 1980) was the bassist for The Marshall Tucker Band between 1973 and 1980.
Caldwell composed several of their songs and played bass, percussion, guitar, as well as contributing backup vocals, though he sang lead on "Melody Ann" the only song on which he performed lead vocals. His last performance with the band was on April 18, 1980, ten days before his fatal accident. The performance is captured on the 2006 release, Live on Long Island. Caldwell was known for playing a white 1970s Fender Precision Bass with a Dimarzio Split Coil Pickup. A mix of finger style and picked bass as well as his use of tube amplifiers contributed to Caldwell's signature sound.
A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, he died at the age of 30 from injuries suffered when his Land Cruiser clipped a parked 1965 Ford Galaxie on April 28, 1980.The Charlie Daniels Band's 1980 album Full Moon is dedicated to Caldwell.
1980Apr, 28
Tommy Caldwell (musician)
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Events on 1980
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Israel and Egypt establish diplomatic relations. - 2Feb
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Reports surface that the FBI is targeting allegedly corrupt Congressmen in the Abscam operation. - 10Jun
Nelson Mandela
The African National Congress in South Africa publishes a call to fight from their imprisoned leader Nelson Mandela. - 29Jul
Islamic Revolution
Iran adopts a new "holy" flag after the Islamic Revolution. - 9Oct
14th Dalai Lama
Pope John Paul II shakes hands with the Dalai Lama during a private audience in Vatican City.