Tommy Caldwell

Who was Tommy Caldwell?

Thomas Michael "Tommy" Caldwell was the bassist and original frontman for The Marshall Tucker Band between 1973 and 1980. He was from Spartanburg, South Carolina. He died from injuries suffered in a Jeep crash on April 28, 1980, at the age of 30. Tommy Caldwell played a lead role in the Marshall Tucker Band, which he formed with his brother, Toy. He 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, just ten days before the fatal accident. This performance is captured on the 2006 release, Live on Long Island. He was the younger brother of bandmate and band co-founder, Toy Caldwell.

The Charlie Daniels Band's 1980 album Full Moon is dedicated to Caldwell.