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Tom Dundee

A favorite with Web audiences since 1972, Tom Dundee is probably most famous for his song, “A Delicate Balance”, which has been recorded by Jim Post, among others. Since being featured in the Web’s ’73 album “Get Folked”, Tom has released four other albums to rave reviews. A “songwriters’ songwriter”, Tom’s music on guitar and vocals is a mix of folk and country with humor and compassion for the stories he sings. March 10, 1995.

“…One of the best songwriters in the country right now” (Stereo Review), ”Tom Dundee’s words and musical presence are the best things that have happened to the one-man singer-songwriter genre in ages…a timeless performing style, irresistible to those who appreciate intimate, perceptive, skillful musicianship.” (Vashon Island Gazette). A longtime Web favorite, Tom has released five albums to rave reviews since being featured on the Web’s ’73 album “Get Folked”. Known as a “songwriter’s songwriter”, Tom’s music on guitar and vocals is a mix of folk and country with humor and compassion for the stories he sings. March 29, 1996.

Singer/songwriter, Tom Dundee began his career in New Mexico in 1969; moving to Chicago a year later, he began sharing that great folk scene with the likes of John Prine, Bonnie Koloc, and Steve Goodman. As that scene waned, he moved to Seattle, which in the ‘80s had a great folk community. Now, after trying out Nashville for 6 years, he’s back in Chicago – much closer to his many Rockford fans! Composer of over 300 songs, with 5 albums to his credit, Tom can be witty, insightful, poignant or just plain fun as he weaves his true-life stories and songs. “…one of the best songwriters in the country right now”, Stereo Review. A Web favorite since 1972, (yes, he’s on the original Web album Get Folked), an evening with Tom is always a delight. And it’s his birthday! – another reason to come! May 9, 1997.

Nashville singer/songwriter Tom Dundee began his career on the folk circuit in 1969 in the little town of Corrales, New Mexico. Since then he has played every major city in the U.S. as well as such exotic places as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, where he performed as a “goodwill ambassador” for the U.S. Information Agency. A composer of over 300 songs, with 4 albums to his credit, Tom can be witty, insightful, poignant or just plain fun as he weaves his true life stories and experiences with his country-flavored songs. “Still looking more like a matinee idol than a folkster, Dundee has emphasized humor and irony within a style that is a curious blend of urban street sense and country charm” (Chicago Tribune). And tonight we’ll be celebrating the release of his first CD “Tom Dundee”! March 27, 1998.

From Stereo Review, “Tom Dundee is one of the best songwriters in the country right now”; and from the Chicago Tribune, “Still looking more like a matinee idol than a folkster, Dundee has emphasized humor and irony within a style that is a curious blend of urban street sense and country charm”. A composer of over 300 songs, with 6 albums to his credxit, Tom can be witty, insightful, poignant or just plain fun as he weaves his true life stories and experiences into his country-flavored songs. “Tom Dundee’s words and musical presence are the best things that have happened to the one-man singer/songwriter in ages…a timeless performing style, irresistible to those who appreciate intimate, perceptive, skillful musicianship” (Vashon Island Gazzette). May 14, 1999.

Renowned songwriter Tom Dundee believes folk music is a participatory art form , and he lures his audiences into singing along with him. Each concert is fresh and seemingly custom tailored to the audience on hand. His beautifully crafted ballads, sensitive introspectives, humorous and up tempo paeans, and out and out rockin’ rollers have the Dhicago Tribune saying “an exceptionally fine act…a rare warmth…a timeless performing style, irresistible to those who appreciate intimate, perceptive, skillful musicianship”. February 8, 2003.

Happy Thanksgiving!! The return of a great show is Corky Siegel and Tom Dundee – Nov. 5-9, 1975.

Tom Dundee, primo songwriter will be opening for John – Two shows, 8:00 and 10:30 April 1, 1976.

Corky Siegel~Tom Dundee, two master song craftsmen return Wed~Saturday, Sept 8-11, 1976.

Bonnie Koloc creates a floating myriad of ballads and blues, plus laid back misadventurist Tom Dundee Fri-Sat April 29-30, 1977.

What is “folk music?” Well, if it may be defined as the balancing and blending of the poetry of emotion with the music of communication, then a classic folk music show is Robin and Linda Williams with Peter Ostroushko and very special guest Tom Dundee. Original songwriters with a universal perspective, both the Williams and Dundee have plenty of insight and humor. As the reviews have said, “…Dundee has proven himself a bright, talented singer-songwriter and is fast emerging as one of Chicago’s best…” (Chicago Tribune) Thurs.-Sat., June 22-24, 1978.

Opening will be Tom Dundee. What can I say about Tom in less than 1000 words. Wed.-Sat., Sept. 27-30, 1978.

Tom Dundee, Jeff Jones, Larry Siegel Dundee, the author of “Delicate Balance”, “Back On the Street Again”, headlines with Jones and Siegel whose piano and guitar work made a great impression the time they were her at the anniversary-Original compositions with insight and humanity. Fri-Sat Sept. 14-15, 1979.

A weekend of song by two of the most original troubadors of folk music-Tom Paxton and Tom Dundee. Tom Dundee (with a brand new album on freckle records), long-known in this area for his many songs will open the shows at 8 and 10:30 Jan. 11-12, 1980.

To continue their fight against the licensing of the Byron nuclear plant, S.A.F.E., (Sinnissippi Alliance For the Environment) will host a benefit featuring Jim Post, Randy Sabien and Larry Bione, Tom Dundee and Betsy Kaske. All proceeds will go for the approaching legal battles, as the performers are donating their talents for what they feel is a very important cause. Wednesday, April 23, 1980.

Four years ago John Bryan wrote a review in the Rkfd. Morning Star on Tom Dundee (opening for Bonnie Koloc) that headlined “He has an act that could easily zoom to the top.” Of course Bryan was right, and now with his debut album on Freckle Records, A Delicate Balance, Tom Dundee has proven that his is an extraordinarily gifted song writer, performer and producer…and poet: “The circle of the seasons brought forest upon the dew; and in my need of comfort I’ve brought myself to you. I’ve come so far – this old guitar is all that made it through; I’ve nothing but these empty hands, but I can play for you.” (To Play For You) At 9:00p.m., an evening of song and poetry by Tom Dundee Wed., July 30, 1980.

Also on Freckle Records, the author of many contemporary folk classics (Delicate Balance”, “Back On The Street Again”) performs with intensity as well as his soft-spoken-sung ballads of life and times on the road and living in the 80’s America as well as on the planet Wednesday, October 29, 1980.

Click Here to: Add your Memories
Name:	Location:	Memories:	date entered:
Shelley	Renton, WA	My best friend and I saw Tom years ago at a very small venue in Kent, Washington that sponsered Victory Music. He was the most mezmorizing artist that we had seen on the Victory Music scene. We could have listened to him sing for days!	6/6/2008
Lani Richardson	midwest	Wow. I still miss you Tom. Peace through music.	5/3/2008
Kurt Liebezeit	Portland, OR	Tom came through Portland in 1996, a rare appearance in our town. I offered to host his house concert, and the local Folklore Society advertised his event in the newsletter. However, as luck would have it, the day of his concert ended up being in the middle of a Portland heat wave - three or four straight days over a hundred degrees. I spend much of the day Saturday cleaning out the basement, figuring that we would hold the concert downstairs where it would be cooler. However, the local concert-going patrons did not know about this preparation, and they did know my house wasn't air-conditioned; many of the regulars opted not to attend. So eight o'clock rolled around, and there we were, seven of us sitting in my living room with Tom. It was warm, and I offered Tom the option of just opting out, or going down to the basement; he said no, it wasn't too warm, and he wanted to do the concert he planned on doing. So for two magical hours he played and sang for us on a hot July night in Portland. I have a tape of that night if anyone in Tom's family wants a copy of it.	3/15/2008
Mac Bledsoe	Kalispell, Montana	Tom entered my life by rescuing an anotherwise dying folklife festival with his magic music and haunting lyrics. He came to our house following the performance, spent the night in his camper in our driveway, and then played for friends and family in our back yard the following evening. His music has been echoing in the halls of my life ever since. I feel quite certain that God welcomed him into His Place with the same greeting he received at each appearnace on my porch... "Get on in here you funny son of a bitch and play me some of your music to lighten my load!"	3/7/2008
Jonathan Byrd	Chicago, IL	The last time I was here in chicago, I had a late night meal at Bar Louis in Evanston. Tom walked in with a friend and we had a great time talking sports and goofing off. That night, Tom wrecked his bike and died a few days later. I ate there again last night and remembered Tom with every bite. I'm honored to have had my time with Tom. Love doesn't die. jb	12/31/2007
ET	Puget Sound	How stunning to learn about Tom's death--and it taking him this long to 'visit me' and compel me to play his CDs this morning. He brightened up Seattle while he lived here. We had great fun getting a tile put into the Pike Place Market: Right Lane Man. It's good news for others who have passed on, that now they'll be able to enjoy Tom's humour, honesty and irrepressible sweet soul. A little place in my heart is shattered. Tom will forever sing in my ear, and for that I'm grateful.	7/30/2007
C. K. Stone	Rockford	I remember Tom and I babysitting the zoo at the farm for a week. and both of us not having a ton of money. We bought a bunch of veggies and ate salads for a week. He was one of my favorite people. I am proud to have called him a friend.	5/24/2007
John Weingart	Stockton, New Jersey	I'm so glad my wife and daughter and I all got to know Tom a bit and to get to love his music and that I still am able to share it and maybe help spread it on the radio. Since he died, I've learned that I am just one among many who, without spending much time with Tom, felt like we were friends and miss him a lot.	4/30/2007
Tigris Powers	Topanga, CA	Topanga misses the gentle weight of your feet upon the earth. We'll be listening for the thunder, round about this time of the year. Yes, we cherish what we have, and had with you, our dear friend. We miss you like air.	4/22/2007
JD Dragus	Chicago	Tom and I got close during the last year or two of Orphan's on Lincoln ave. We'd hang out, shoot pool, chase girls, go bowling and play golf. One Saturday night, Tom gets a hankerin' to roll the big ball. I start driving the 2 of us to our usual local bowling alleys and every one of them had leagues and were all booked up. No lanes. We stop and grab the Yellow pages - "Hey dawg, here's a place" says he. "Where is it?" I ask. "I'll tell you how to get there" Says he. We end up at a bowling alley at 47th and Lowe or something. "Um Tom, we seem to be the only white people here..." "Yeah dawg, but look, they got an open lane!" We bowled one line. I think by the 9th frame, even Tom was getting the idea that we weren't really welcome there. We paid up and laughed all the way home. Dundee was fearless. We also played the last 3 holes of an 18 hole round in complete darkness with our putters. But that's another story. I miss you, my old friend. I can't believe a year has gone by already. JDog	4/18/2007
Norm "MadDawg" Siegel	Chicago, IL	I met Tom in 1971 while playing bass with Fred Holstein at the ill- fated Earl of Old Town, North. Tom told me he could never title his songs, so he named them after his friends. So, in honor of Fred Holstein, he told the audience he was going to play "Fred". With this statement, Fred rolled his eyes and walked to the bar, knowing what was coming. I had never played with Tom before, but after 2 bars of the song, it was in my heart, just like Tom became for 35 years. The song---Argyle McBride Station. Whenever we would meet, it wasn't"Hi Norm", it was always "Dawg"! He always refered to my wife as "Darlin", as well as every other women! When my wife passed away, he came to the wake to add his support, loving friendship and bring messages from our friends. Like all who knew Tom, I still feel the vast chasm of loss, a void that is only filled with memories of friendship, encouragement and support. When I sing any of Tom's songs, I do it out of that love that one can only have for a brother. I miss you Tom.	3/10/2007
JohnTolhuizen	St. Joseph, MI	A Tom Dundee Memorial Concert November 11, 2006 The Box Factory for the Arts, St Joseph, MI Presented by John Tolhuizen On Saturday, January 21, 2006 Tom Dundee returned to The Box Factory for the Arts, in St. Joseph, MI. to share the stage with me and to renew our old friendship, as we had done several times in the past. We had planned to meet in the afternoon to “organize” the show and, perhaps, pick a Weaver’s tune to do together, however Tom’s schedule and deteriorating weather conditions, delayed Tom so he barely had time to sound check and change into stage clothes before the concert. It was a blustery, cold, sleet filled, black ice kind of night, but a near capacity crowd of Tom’s loyal fans and old friends were warmed by the bright light of Tom’s songs, stories and easy going wit. Floating on that magical high that performers achieve on a night when everything is just perfect, Tom, Murphy, and I scheduled yet another concert date for Tom and I at the Box Factory for Saturday, November 11, 2006. Sadly, Tom will be a no show for this gig as he met his destiny in April of this year and past on from this world to the next. On that January night, I didn’t know that, as Tom hurried out the door, this would be the last time I would see or talk to him. Since then I have wondered what I might have said to him had I known what the future held for him. Is Tom in heaven or the hereafter now? Can he hear and see us now? Do I believe in heaven or a hereafter? When “Murph” asked me what I intended to do with this scheduled concert date, I knew in a minute what to do. On Saturday, November 11, 2006, at 8:00 pm, there will be a memorial concert presenting the songs and stories of this remarkable folksinger, story teller, individual, and my friend, Tom Dundee. I have invited a few musicians to help me on a show that will be exclusively Tom’s music as well as several of Tom’s close friends who will tell interesting stories. If you knew Tom and/or his music, please come. If you never knew Tom and/or his music, but would like the opportunity hear it, please come. If you know anybody who knew Tom and/or his music please forward this email to them. If you feel that you might want to contribute to this evening in any way, please call or email me at (269) 925-1895 or jwtolhuizen@aol.com. This is a regular Riversong Music Society “Second Saturday” concert at the Box Factory with a cover. ($8 adults, $6 seniors, Kids under 12 free.) It will be a benefit with the gate going to a cause to be chosen the night of the concert.	10/10/2006
Earl Laver	Ocean View HI	For the last 20 years or so Tom would come by my place on the Oregon Coast.We would go crabbing, eat and play music for a couple of days and then he'd gear up and go back on the road.One time he came and said"I can only stay the afternoon-Could we just go out and putt around in your boat?"He was drivingthe boat out past the bar, which was real calm that day, and he said"when will we be in the ocean?" said ' about 300 yards ago. We could go on to Hawaii or Japan!" He looked at me and didn't say anything but slowly turned the boat and went back in He later told friends that 'old Earl went rhapsodic on me! At that time I dedicated my life to Jesus and Earl's little blue motor!"	8/25/2006
Earl Laver	Ocean View HI	For the last 20 years or so Tom come by my place on the Or coast.We would go crabbing,eat and play music for a couple of days and then he'd gear up and go back on the road.	8/25/2006
Dusty Huestis	Havre, MT	I am so thankfull to have met Tom a couple of years back at a gathering of friends in Kalispell. I left not knowing the full scope of who Tom was. But I believe thats how he liked it. Keeping it simple and honest. His music has since been a source of calming inspiration to my music and my life. He was just a man but he made his mark in my life, and many others I'm sure. I hope we meet again Tom, it was too short.	8/12/2006
Nancy Albee	Clarkston, MI.	I miss Tom so much. He was a great friend. I only knew him for three years but I feel like I have known him forever. I have listened to his music everday for three years. I will continue to listen everyday from now on. We all miss you and love you Tom Nancy	7/13/2006
Deborah Callahan	Milwaukee, Wi	I first swa Tom Dundee at the No Exit Cafe in Rogers Park in 1978. I saw him perform several times over the years. And he was truly one of my favorite folk singers. I was so sad to hear of his death in Chicago. And I will always remember his singing. Thank you-Deb Callahan	6/7/2006
Lani	midwest	When someone leaves this physical/tangible state of reality in which I currently exist, I find myself unable to get enough of them. So was the case for me after learning of Tom's journey to a different plane of existence. I found myself scouring through all the Charlotte's Web flyers I could get my hands on, in search of Tom's name. Then I decided that this "therapy" that was helping me absorb the news might be of interest to others. I proceded to type in the entries I found. You can read them on this page, to your left. Many use the same or similar words. I still can not get enough. "When my word ond song have gone, I will leave something of me. I would want you to know, how much I love you and need you to love me" "If My Life Were a Book" - Tom Dundee	5/10/2006
jen	east coast	Cherishing the minutes and hours of the past does not quench my thirst to hear Tom's voice again, yet, his unparalleled sensitivity and song shines like a bright star on my horizon everyday. May he know how much he meant to so many.	4/25/2006