So sad to hear of Tom's passing. Knew him from '70's when he ran retail stores in Norfolk. He was always tops. Rekindled friendship in L.A. in 1980's while he headed Right Stuff record label. Worked many projects for/with him doing marketing and compilations. Was the absolute best in every way -- he was a rarity in a biz loaded with greed & b.s. Tom was honest, caring, giving and so good to do business with. Great guy -- loved him. Miss him. He had such class and integrity. RIP old friend. Your were the REAL DEAL!
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I met Tom at the Unitarian Church in Norfolk back in 1969-70. We did not go there for religion, just to have a safe place for a bunch of freaks that loved music and doing the certain drugs to hang out.Tom has always told me I turned him on to "Down By the River" by playing it on guitar in front of the church. I guess I was so high I didn't remember that. But we went to lots of local music places like the Magical Mystery Tour, where we saw the Allman Brothers on an early tour that included teen clubs.I left Norfolk in '71 and went to Salisbury, MD to play music and after a few years moved to Tucson, played in original bands, trying to get signed to record companies. I left Tucson in '79 to be with my girlfriend and our baby girl, (as she had left Tucson before me to go back home to Huntington Beach). We got welfare for a short time until I learned to be a electronic technician. While still putting together bands and with the new computerized recording systems, kept writing and recording. I had no idea Tom went to L.A., just 30 miles away. I didn't know until I found him on Facebook. He was a VP at Capitol.
During our early Facebook years, I had stopped writing and recording, but was able to sent him originals when he asked me about them. Some I recorded with Emitt Rhodes and he loved them. I also sent earlier demoes. He told me he loved that stuff and had I known where he was and where he worked he would've signed me. I think I was way too old to sign and he wasn't working the same department. I did write a song called "I Can't Find My Dreams" during the protests of 2012 and made a video. He was so impressed he helped me to get it reviewed by Phyllis and it's the most watched video/song of mine ever listened to on YouTube. Since then we met a couple of times after that, he'd ride his cycle down to places I was doing solo gigs. I don't think he would have if I didn't deserve it. In 2015 I moved back to the East Coast where my family still lived in Tidewater. I would call Tom often, as he would call me. Then...cancer hit us both. Mine was lung that went to my brain and spine. I was supposed to die before him. He called me, told me he was likely to die , and was interrupted by a nurse and said he'd call me back. I was waiting, but he died the next day.
The last time I actually saw him he came to party I played when I came out from Outer Banks, where I live. In March 2017. He rode down to Irvine to see me and hear me play with my last trio. I have pix of him sitting next to my bassist...snacking. When he died, his son Sam called. He asked if I was Scott. I expected Tom's voice, but it was different. I think I started crying before I said "Yes." Sam told me his dad had passed.His son is likely as wonderful as his father was, in my heart.I dunno if there's heaven, but whatever it is, when my cancer finishes me I hope to see him again.I still love you, Tom.
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My deepest condolences to Tom’s son Dam and all his family. Tom was a true class act and gentle soul. We worked together at EMG and became fast friends. I’m sure he’s riding his Harley up in the skies right about now with that big contagious smile. I will miss him dearly. Rest in power Tom. Much respect to you and grateful for your friendship.
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I’m really sorry to hear about Tom. I worked for him at Capitol for a while, and we did some consulting projects together. He was a really special person. It was great to talk to him about any kind of music. He had a great sense of humor, and I always looked forward to seeing him. He was always very generous, as well.I’m really sorry to all who share his loss, especially his family.
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Tommy and l worked together at Records Incorporated in Virginia Beach (in fact, he was my manager) in the mid 1970 s. That didn’t stop us from hitting the clubs together after work often hanging out with rock stars. He was such a great guy and so much fun to be around. So sorry to hear this, I know he will be missed by everyone lucky enough to know Tom.
Tim Barry
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So very sad to hear of Tom's passing. I always enjoyed working with him at EPROP and getting to reconnect via social media years ago. He was a joy to be around and I'm grateful to have known him.
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I’m so very sad to hear of Tom’s passing. He was such a great guy. He was so funny, always kind, and such a warm-hearted person. We worked together at EMI Music and remained friends thereafter.
My deepest condolences to his family, his son and daughter-in-law. May he rest in peace - with music always surrounding him.
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I am so sad to learn that Tom has left us. We worked in the same EMI office on Wilshire for several years and I always enjoyed talking music with Tom, who was so passionate and knowledgeable about so many artists. He was such a good guy and it is a truly sad loss for so many that he is gone now.
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I heard the unfortunate news this morning that Mr. Tom Cartwright has passed. I'm so stunned at this news.
I met Tom through the Al Green's days and after reading some of my writing, he asked me if I would be interested in writing the liner notes for a CD he was putting together called Midnight Soul. Of course I was beyond excited to do it. He gave me the word count. I went a little over just in case he wanted to cut anything or change it. He kept every word exactly how it was. As a result, I earned my first professional writing gig. It's something that I'll never forget and I'll always be grateful for.
Tom, thank you for all of your contributions to the music we love. My prayers out to his family. May he rest in peace. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🕊️🕊️🕊️
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Very sorry to hear. Went to high school with Tom.
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My deepest condolences,your grief is my grief. A very joyful and important chapter of my life is closed forever now...Tom was a second dad to me and I am so grateful my life crossed his...lots of memories shared in Pasadena,many happy years.. It was a nice ride Tom! Forever loved ❤️
Prayers for Sam and his wife 💜
Dany
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