HALL OF FAME |
Tom "T-Bone" Wolk, bass guitar
|
HALL OF FAME |
Tom "T-Bone" Wolk, bass guitar
|
Three musicians had such a profound influence on the sound of the Saturday Night Live Band after Lorne Michaels resumed production of the program in 1985. We have long since enshrined G.E. Smith and Cheryl Hardwick into these annals, but now we give Tom "T-Bone" Wolk his due.
With his unique look and bass guitar style, Tom was the sidekick to the mugging Smith as seen on many band breaks during their tenure on the show. Tom added significant chops on other instruments such as accordion and organ, as the need arose. When not on the show, T-Bone was part of the backing band for many influential artists, including a long stint as musical director for Hall and Oates. Many of the James Jamerson-inspired bass licks on albums like "Private Eyes" belong to Wolk.
On February 28, 2010, Tom "T-Bone" Wolk died of a heart attack at the age of 58. He was preparing for an appearance with Hall and Oates on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" at the time as well as the Hall and Oates 2010 "Do What You Want, Be What You Are" tour.