TOM and the TORNADOES ( 7" Vinyl 45 RPM )

TOM and the TORNADOES – The Northway Sound Records Story Vol.Two

"The TORNADOES" was the name of my first cover band when I was 13 years old in 1961. A year later I got a job at the Spin-It Record Shop in my hometown of Niles, Michigan and met one of the record distributors in the area who had a small label called Northway Sound.

He asked if I would be interested in making some records that he could distribute on his route between Chicago and Hastings, Michigan. I said sure!! So we recorded several sides in early 1962, Northway Sound released "LONG PONY TAIL" (written by the Fireballs) and an original called "JUDY" as the b-side. It was Northway Sound that came up with "TOM and the TORNADOES." It was my first record and we were so excited to be on all the regional jukeboxes.

The photograph on the cover was me at 14 years old rehearsing with the group. This became the beginning of an amazing journey!! Thanks to the good Lord and all the fans!!