Just got back from working the Legends Of Western Swing Festival in Wichita Falls. We have lost another brother to a tragic auto accident. Texas Playboy drummer Tommy Perkins died early Saturday morning. It is incredibly sad and we are all terribly saddened and were in a state of shock during Saturdays performances. Tommy was a wonderful person and legendary musician and we watched him perform with the Playboys and visited with him Friday afternoon.

Larry Scott led a brief tribute to him Saturday afternoon just after we all found out and the entire place was in complete tears.

That's all the information that I have. I thought I would let everyone know.

Our prayers and sympathy are with his family.
Bobby

[This message was edited by Bobby Flores on 08 June 2003 at 06:24 PM.]

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There is no easy way to relay sad news. Tommy was killed in a car accident last night. Truitt notified me by saying they believe he had a heartache that caused the accident. Tommy Perkins was loved and respected by all that knew him. He was one of the best drummers in music history, one of Bob Wills Texas Playboys and a master craftsman of stained glass creations and restoration.

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know Tommy and spend time with him. He considered me his friend and I was so lucky to be able to call him a friend of mine. One of my most favorite memories is sitting on the porch at the Hotel Turkey with him and his best, best friend Benny Garcia listening to their stories about their music career. Many of you knew him better and longer than I.

My deepest condolences to his family, all his friends, fellow musicians, and fans. I know how much you all will miss him. Thankfully his spirit will always be with us. He also left behind a wonderful legacy in his music recordings and his stained glass art that will always be treasured and appreciated.

Karen Andes
President, Western Swing Society
wssnewseditor@aol.com

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Friends-

This news brought great personal sadness to all of us. We have lost a true star, a one of a kind in our world of Western Swing music. Drummer supreme Tommy Perkins was killed in a single-car accident on the morning of June 7, Saturday in OK. I should check but I'd guess he was the youngest remaining of Bob Wills' Texas Playboys. J. D. Garrison pointed out that only Johnny Gimble survives of the Texas Playboys band who recorded Faded Love in 1953 at age 16.

Tommy was the best at what he did, he set the standard for Western Swing drummers to follow. He had the touch and the finesse of a studied musician and he made it look so easy. He was widely admired for his talent and skills as much as he was loved for his kind heart and sense of humor. Everyone was Tommy's friend and we all loved him. We all miss him and hold him in our hearts.

Thanks to Donna and Joe Settlemires and to Karen Bell for the following information on the accident:
Tommy was about to drive home after his Bob Wills Texas Playboys job on Friday night at the Legends of Western Swing Festival in Wichita Falls but he didn't feel well so decided to stay overnight and drive home in the morning. But he couldn't sleep and after some rest, left for OKC before 6AM on Saturday morning. The doctors said he had a mild heart attack and his van crashed into a ditch. There was a car behind him who called the highway patrol. When they finally got him out of the car, they put him into an air/evac helicopter, he had sustained severe injuries. On his way to the hospital, he had a massive heart attack. Upon arrival at the Lawton hospital, Tommy was placed on a ventilator but he passed away about 10AM.

Thanks Leon for the latest info on services for Tommy - he will be cremated. A memorial service is planned for June 20 - Friday in Arcadia, east of Edmond. There will be several of his musician friends playing. Also a benefit is planned for July to help defray costs for the emergency care and burial. We'll let you know more on that as plans develop.

Karen Bell sent this note about the June 20 service:
3 PM at Arcadia, OK at the historic Round Barn, located on old Route 66. The family would like for some of Tommy's fellow musicians to play music after the memorial service until about 6:30 PM. This will be a chance to say a final goodbye and celebrate his life with family and friends. Folks should bring their own soft drinks and lawn chairs, plan to visit with his family and share stories. Karen suggested the family would like friends to bring along pictures, mementoes, etc. Karen and Denise Smith will arrange for sound equipment so musicians let them know if you are coming - call Karen at 405-946-3371. The family wants to make this a celebration of his life with his friends and the music he loved.

Donna sent note that Billie (Mrs. Perkins) would like cards and notes sent to the Family c/o Sherrie Moser, 5715 NW 41st, Warr Acres, OK 73122.

Thanks to all of you, Leon, Karen, Donna and more - for the long distance calls, the many hours you put in to get this info out to us. Donna Settlemires called everyone she knew to get word to all of us at Wichita Falls after Tommy died, Cathi Parson made several calls, too. And worked with the family to find out what they wanted and how they could help.

This is our Western Swing family at work. And trying to help each other through the shock and grief.
Tommy would be proud of all of us. Rest in peace our dear friend.

The WSMSS Hall of Fame is inducting Tommy Perkins this year. Sadly this will now be a posthumous award. The directors have announced the Showcase will be dedicated to the Memory of Tommy Perkins and his contributions to this music.

You'll want to know also, just days earlier Bill Crouc of Midwest City, OK. passed away. Bill was a longtime friend to the Texas Playboys, a collector and raconteur. Bill followed Bob Wills and the TExas Playboys since his teenage years and became an historian on the subject. Bill was a fine man and friend and leaves his bereaved widow Billie. Send your cards and note to his family at 3649 Sunvalley Dr., Midwest City, OK. 73110. Bill was a personal friend and advisory to our office and we will miss him greatly.