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Surprise Guest at the Hole In The Wall... posted March 23, 2009 Tommy was a surprise guest at a post-SXSW Woodstock-themed party Sunday night at Austin’s Hole in the Wall. Tommy played with Nakia and His Southern Cousins, and performed two of the songs that he played with Johnny Winter at Woodstock 40 years ago. SXSW Panel posted March 23, 2009 The panel discussion (details below) with Craig Hopkins went very well. We had a nice turnout, and the SXSW organizers were happy. They’ve already asked us if we’d be interested in repeating this panel at a future SXSW.   Stevie Ray Vaughan:  Reflections and Everlasting Respect posted March 6, 2009: Sunday, March 22 at 1 pm Austin Convention Center, Ballroom G (next to South Buy Sell Trade, the Austin Record Convention & Texas Guitar Show located in Ballroom D)  FREE! Stevie Ray Vaughan - Reflections and Everlasting Respect Speakers: Double Trouble band member Tommy Shannon; biographer Craig Hopkins; moderated by Mark Murray, KVUE-TV Double Trouble is among the most famous rhythm sections in the world. Member Tommy Shannon will participate in panel discussion about Austin's favorite adopted son, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Author Craig Hopkins will open the discussion by playing excerpts from the earliest known recordings of Stevie Ray Vaughan from 1969-1970, and showing a few of his favorite photos from the thousands reviewed for the biography. Hopkins, recipient of the the Blues Foundation's KBA Award for Literature for 2009, will sign copies of Stevie Ray Vaughan: Day By Day, Night After Night. Related websites: SXSW:   http://www.sxsw.com/music/records_and_guitars Craig Hopkins: www.stevieray.com Mark Murray:  http://www.kvue.com/aboutkvue/newsteam/murray.html Stevie Ray Vaughan:  Day By Day, Night After Night:  http://www.stevieray.com/book3info.htm Session Inquiries posted by Beverly on January 9, 2009 Since posting the info below regarding Tommy's bass lessons, we've received many letters asking if Tommy is interested in session projects.  The answer to that question is:   Yes, he is, as his schedule allows. Please email inquiries with project details to beverly@tommyshannon.com, with the subject line noted as:  TS Session Inquiry. Bass Lessons, and my new friend... posted December 31, 2008 I've been enjoying teaching bass lessons the last couple months and just had the pleasure of spending a week with my new friend Lindsey and her family.   They drove  to Texas all  the way from Canada so Lindsey could take bass lessons for her sixteenth birthday.  It was fun and I really enjoyed meeting them!

 

Tommy Featured in Josh Alan Friedman's New Book posted May 24, 2008 Josh Alan Friedman (one of Tommy's favorite writers) released a new book entitled Tell The Truth Until They Bleed - Coming Clean in the Dirty World of Blues and Rock 'n Roll. The book is a compilation of some of Josh's interviews with musicians throughout the years and features a chapter about Tommy.  This fantastic new book is available now at fine bookstores and at many online retailers such as Amazon.com.

Bass Player Magazine "Tightrope" Transcription & Article
posted May 2, 2008
Bryan Beller, Contributing Editor for Bass Player Magazine, is currently writing an article about (and which will include) the full transcription of Tommy's bassline in the SRV song "Tightrope". It's scheduled to be featured in the September issue.  Make plans to snag a copy, or go here to subscribe to Bass Player.


Buddy Miles Austin Tribute/Benefit Announced
posted February 28, 2008
Tommy will take the stage along with many other friends of Buddy Miles in a loving tribute to the man and his music.  Read the details here.
 

"Crossfire" Music Milestone; Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
Hit Song Honored at Austin City Limits Festival Kickoff!
posted September 14, 2007
The music of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble was recognized Thursday night during a kickoff party for the ACL Festival.   Specifically their biggest radio hit, "Crossfire," was honored for airing on radio more than one million times.

"The song was so effortless. It was like pouring out water," recalls co-writer Tommy Shannon.

"It's a big occasion. The song would have to be played eight years continuously to achieve a million performances, so it's a big deal," adds BMI Records VP Jody Williams.

The song was written in 1989 by Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, Reese Wynans, Bill Carter, and Ruth Ellsworth Carter.

See KVUE News video segment here.

L to R:  Chris Layton, Tommy Shannon, Ruth Ellsworth Carter, Bill Carter, Jody Williams photo credit:  Jill McGuckin, BMI	L to R: Mark Mason, Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, Bill Carter, Ruth Ellsworth Carter, Jody Williams photo credit:  Jill McGuckin, BMI

Watch for Tommy on the Experience Hendrix Tour!
posted August 27, 2007
Tommy will be one of the featured artists on the Experience Hendrix Tour , which will kick off on October 16 in Washington, DC!   Also scheduled to perform are Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robbie Krieger, Mick Taylor, Hubert Sumlin, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Andy Aledort, Chris Layton, Eric Gales and Kenny Olson.    Check out Tommy's schedule for dates; more details are available on the Experience Hendrix Tour website!

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - "Pride And Joy" DVD (Epic/Legacy) Released!

Patrick Droney
posted  June 16, 2007
updated June 18, 2007
An incredible young guitar player from the northeast came through town and left a buzz – not easy to do in Austin. Tommy had the honor and pleasure of meeting Patrick Droney (www.patrickdroney.com) and his band at Nuno’s on 6th Street. A couple nights later, Tommy sat in for a few songs during an early set at Antone’s, where Patrick was a hit.

A huge thanks to Tim, Patrick’s wonderful dad, and Mike O’Connell, Patrick’s most excellent drummer – we already feel like they are part of the family. Patrick is definitely the cream of the young guitar players who will carry on the heart and soul of the blues. A talented guitar player but also an outstanding young man. Look for him and do not miss his show if he heads your way – you’re in for a real treat!

Click to view larger images w/captions

See a brief video excerpt of Tommy onstage with Patrick on YouTube
 

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For Your Viewing Pleasure...
posted 9/09/06
Our buddy Ron Baker has posted some great photos on his website, from our recent "Blues On The Green" show (Tommy and Chris Layton played with Joe Ely, David Holt, and Riley Osborne).  You can see a partial selection by clicking here, OR access a cool slideshow with all his photos here.

There are also several Arc Angels photos accessible from his "Concerts 2" page, as well as some of Tommy on the Antone's Tribute Page.

Many Thanks, Ron!!

Update:  Click here to hear the interview (noted below) or click here to hear Greg's entire radio show, complete with music!
(Greg Martin, Tommy, and Uncle John Turner)
posted 4/17/06

Tommy and Uncle John Turner Featured Guests on Greg Martin's "The Lowdown Hoedown" - Monday, April 10th:
posted 04/8/06

Tommy and Uncle John will be live on the air with Greg Martin, Founder and Lead Guitarist of the Kentucky Headhunters, on MONDAY, APRIL 10th, on WDNS, D93, broadcasting out of Bowling Green, Kentucky.  The show airs from 7:00 - 10:00 PM CST.    The trio will be joined by vocalist Bruce Bowland to appear together on Saturday, April 22, at the Dallas Guitar Show, billed as "The Non-Profit Prophets."  Don't miss the fun!

New Message from Tommy
posted 01/14/06

"I wanted to thank everyone for all the letters I've been receiving!  I read all my mail, but because of my schedule, and the sheer volume, I'm learning there's just no way I can answer every letter personally.  However, please know that every letter is important to me, I'll continue try to answer as many as I can, and I appreciate you taking the time to write me, more than you you'll ever know."

Your Friend,
Tommy

"Three Little Things"  Added to Tommy's Journal
posted 11/11/05

There are many things in this world Tommy feels strongly about.  He writes about "Three Little Things" in this newest contribution to his online journal.

In-Depth Audio Interview Added to this Site...

Tommy and Uncle John Turner were featured guests on Greg Martin's popular radio show, "The Lowdown Hoedown."   The entire interview portion of the show (49 minutes) is now available in Windows Media format on this site.   It's one of the most informative audio interviews I've ever heard them do together - be sure to check it out!

(Greg is a busy guy; along with hosting "The Lowdown Hoedown," he is also the founder and lead guitarist of the Kentucky Headhunters.)

posted 01/01/2006

What an incredible month of music January will be!

- Two Arc Angels shows that will be taped for an upcoming LIVE DVD featuring Tommy, Chris Layton, Charlie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II
 - Two Storyville shows featuring Tommy, Chris Layton, Malford Milligan, David Grissom, and David Holt
(and as if that wasn't exciting enough...)
 - You can see Tommy, Chris, Malford Milligan, Riley Osborn and Mike Keller (maybe a few surprise guests as well)  every Tuesday....all these great shows at ANTONE'S, Austin's Home of the Blues!
Here's the schedule!

Party with the Arc Angels in Hawaii!
posted July, 2005

Make plans now to take a break from it all in December and spend a week at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua with the Arc Angels, Grady, and the KLBJ gang in Maui -- Get all the details on Paradise Vacation and Travel's website!

Guitar World's Bass Player - Current Issue
posted Dec. 27, 2004

Tommy is on the cover of the current issue of Guitar World's Bass Player.  The issue features an interview with him and JoJo Garza of Los Lonely Boys.  Be sure to pick up a copy!

Texas Music Magazine
From Beverly - Posted November 29, 2004:

Tommy and Uncle John are featured in the new Texas Music Magazine's "Blues Issue"  (There's a picture of Stevie on the cover.)

Guitar World's Bass Player
Bass Lesson by Tommy:
posted Nov. 4, 2004

Go to www.guitarworld.com, click on AUDIO LESSONS, and TOMMY SHANNON, where you can hear an audio sample, and get a preview of "Classical Gas" - a lesson about 'Mastering arpeggios via a classical-style etude'.  Pick up the December issue to get the tab and read the rest of the article.

Radio Interviews:

Sunday, October 10:
WRMN 1410 AM - Elgin-Chicago, IL
Paul Parello's Blues Power
LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE at www.chicagobluesman.com
10:00 PM to 12:00 midnight central
Station promo: "On this Sunday nights radio show, two of our favorite musicians, Tommy Shannon and Uncle John Turner will be phoning in. Tommy and Uncle John are really excited about the previously unreleased live performance at Royal Albert Hall, which is now on the new "Second Winter: Legacy Edition.' We'll not only discuss the new release, we'll also talk about some of the other exciting projects that these two great musicians are currently involved in, and of course discuss some of the historical performances and past events that make these two, true living legends...and they're not that old!!!   Join us this Sunday night."

Monday, October 11:
WDNS D93 FM - Bowling Green, KY
The Lowdown Hoedown
with host Greg Martin (Founder and Guitarist of the Kentucky Headhunters)
7:00 PM - 10 PM central
Tommy Shannon and Uncle John Turner will visit with Greg about the upcoming "Second Winter" Legacy Edition" and MUCH more...be sure to tune in!!!

Tommy and Chris featured in Blues Documentary:
From Beverly - Posted June 12, 2004:

Kenny Wayne Shepherd is recording and producing a documentary highlighting the great blues players of our time, with proceeds to benefit the Music Makers Relief Foundation.

Releasing September 14th:  Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
"Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985" 2 - DVD set (Epic/Legacy):

The upcoming 2-DVD set will be the visual companion to Epic/Legacy's 2001 release of the 2-CD set "Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985." 

The package features the concert from 1982 (same track listing as the earlier CD set) as well as the concert from 1985 (track listing features two additional tracks that did not appear on the CD). In addition, this set will include a newly-created documentary about the shows, featuring on-camera interviews with Jackson Browne, John Mayer, and Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton of Double Trouble.  Read Sony/Legacy's Press Release with details here.
 

Johnny Winter Reissue featuring Tommy and Uncle John; buy it now!

The reissue of Johnny Winter's first Columbia Album featuring Tommy Shannon, Red ("Uncle John") Turner, Edgar Winter, Walter "Shaky Horton, Willie Dixon and more... with three previously unreleased bonus track from original sessions!
Get the details here...

and coming October 12th...

Second Winter - Legacy Edition:

The reissue of their second album, with bonus tracks -- AND a second CD!

The first CD will feature the remastered album in its entirety, as well as two previously unreleased bonus tracks ("Early In The Morning," "Tell The Truth (instrumental)") from the album sessions.  Disc 2 features a previously unreleased concert recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall in London on April 17, 1970. The lineup for the live show is Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Tommy Shannon and Uncle John Turner.

Letter From Tommy:
March 27, 2004

Hello to everyone reading this.   I thank you for all the nice mail you have sent me; there are too many letters for me to answer them all.  Please understand that I am moved and grateful for every one of you.  As I have said before. I do not take anyone of you for granted.  I will never call you fans, because I don’t like that word - instead I will call you my friends.

Beverly and myself are working on some new ideas for the website. I think you will like them - so keep checking back.

There are a lot of people who want to know more about what Stevie was like.  So I have decided to share some of my favorite stories of the times with him that I will never forget.  They are not in any book that has been printed.  Some are funny, some are sad, some, you can decide for yourself.  It will be a deeper look into the ten years we played together.

Your friend,
Tommy Shannon

Tommy's Biking Accident
December 10, 2003

Tommy took a spill off his bicycle and received a "green fracture" to a bone on the side of his right hand. (It's my understanding that "green fracture" is a term used when a bone bends and splinters on one side, but doesn't break all the way through.)  He's doing fine, but typing is presenting some challenges at present as he's wearing a splint.   He asked me to post the following letter on his behalf:

Dear Friends,

Thank you for all the letters I've been receiving!  I'm overwhelmed by the kindness and stories that you've shared with me.  I'm sorry I'm not able to respond to each one; now I'm really behind on answering the few I can because of this splint!   I asked Bev to tell you that I wish I could get to know each one of you personally; I feel like I have a new circle of friends I didn't know I had!

Although this injury has slowed me down for the moment, I will be performing at the New York City shows with Buddy Guy, John Mayer, and Chris Layton.  It's going to take more than this slight setback to keep me from those shows!    I'm excited about playing with them again, so I'm behaving and doing what the doctor ordered now, so I'll be good as new by then.

Anyway, thanks again for your letters and for sharing your stories of recovery.  In a time when things seem to be going crazy in our world, it makes my heart soar to know that love and kindness still abounds!

Your Friend,
Tommy

Buddy Guy and John Mayer with Double Trouble -- Two NYC Shows and TV Appearance:
December 2003

Buddy, John, Tommy and Chris will take the stage for two very special performances on December 28 & 29 at Irving Plaza in New York City.  These shows are expected to sell out very quickly; tickets can be purchased via ticketmaster.com.  Also be sure to set your VCR for December 30th when they'll be appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien!

Austin City Limits - John Mayer, Buddy Guy, & Double Trouble:
Airing October, 2003

Tommy and Chris recently teamed up with John Mayer and Buddy Guy to tape Austin City Limits.  This show starts airing nationally in October; check your local listings or look it up on the Austin City Limits website.  This is an ACL you should not miss - the show was pure magic!

Surprise Radio Call-in:
November 9, 2003

Tommy will be calling in to Paul Parello's "Blues Power" Radio show on Sunday, November 9, at 10:30 PM Central. (Chicago/Elgin area listeners can tune in to WRMN 1410 AM)

We learned that Paul Jr. will be turning 21 on 11/14 so Tommy is going to call and surprise him on the air, and maybe visit a bit.  You can hear it live online by going to:
http://www.chicagobluesman.com and clicking on the link at the top of the page (Windows Media Player or an audio plug-in needed).

Tommy's Upcoming Column:
Posted October 2003

A new bi-monthly publication will be hitting the shelves soon, entitled Guitar World's Bass Player, brought to you by the same great folks that bring you Guitar World.  Tommy will be a regular contributor; his first column will appear in the February/March 2004 issue which goes on sale December 16th.

Stevie Ray Vaughan Fan Club Annual Tour:
October 11, 2003

On Saturday, October 11th, 2003,  I went down to Joe's Generic Bar in Austin and sat in with Alan Haynes and Uncle John.  We had a great time on the stage but I also had a great time in the crowd meeting people from all around the world that came into town as a part of Craig Hopkins' Annual Stevie Ray Vaughan Tour of the Dallas and Austin area.  (Craig is the President of the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fan Club, and author of "The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan".  He works hard to preserve Stevie's memory, and I appreciate his efforts.)  Here's a picture Beverly took during the tour of these nice people I had the pleasure to meet.