Musician

Drummer

Studio Recordist

"Boom Boom"

Tommy Wells, a proud Marion Giant, was instrumental in the success of the Giants Marching Band in the late 1960s. He saved every medal and ribbon he won — and there were many, which his family continues to cherish. After graduating from MHS, Tommy attended Berklee College of Music for a year before heading to Detroit to play and record with the rock group “Dust” and rock/R&B horn band “First Gear” featuring Larnelle Harris. In 1977, he moved to Nashville, Tenn., to tour and record with Gene Cotton and American Ace, then rock group RPM. He was on his way to becoming one of the most prolific studio drummers in Nashville history. It was said he could play “everything.” Tommy, a 35-year veteran in the music industry, recorded for such artists as: Ray Stevens, Don McLean, The Statler Brothers, Roy Clark, Charlie Daniels, Porter Wagoner, Lynn Anderson, Charley Pride, B.J. Thomas, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, and many others. He also recorded commercial jingles and performed regularly on TV shows including: Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Prime Time Country, Austin City Limits, Midnight Special, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and The Dinah Shore Show. As an educator, Tommy was legendary for being accessible and supportive to aspiring musicians. He nurtured a large and devoted cyber family on Drum Forum Online. With fellow drum legend Jerry Kroon, he founded Studio Drummer’s Workshop, which produced alumni including Billy Mason, Rich Redmond, and Chris Brown. Tommy passed away unexpectedly in September 2013, while recording at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Ind. Some say “the spirit moves in mysterious ways.” While Tommy’s wife and son Dylan were driving his ashes back home, they had to detour from the interstate to seek medical care for a fever that struck Dylan suddenly. Only after exiting did they realize that this detour was the road to Marion. This unexpected turn provided an opportunity to take a Marching Giant back home to the school where his passion for music grew. The Tommy Wells Foundation (TWF) was founded in Tommy’s memory to support youths in music or hockey, Tommy’s other passion. We are grateful to his family and TWF for their annual donation that helps a Marion High School marching band student to participate in camp and strive toward excellence. Marion High School and the Marion Giants Marching Band honors the legacy of Tommy Wells and his family.