Tommy Bolin American guitarist Date of Birth: 01.08.1951 Country: USA

1. Biography of Tommy Bolin
2. Joining "Energy" and Collaborations
3. "Deep Purple" and Tragic End

Biography of Tommy Bolin

Tommy Bolin, an American guitarist, was born on August 1, 1951, in Sioux City, Iowa. He developed a passion for rock and roll at a young age, attending Elvis Presley's concert at the age of five. His musical journey began with drums, then he experimented with piano, and finally, at the age of 13, he convinced his parents to buy him a guitar. His first band was formed with classmates and called "Denny & The Triumphs." The group played various cover songs and later changed their name to "A Patch of Blue" in 1965. At 16, Tommy was expelled from school, but his hippie parents took it calmly and allowed him to leave home. He initially went to Denver, where he joined the band "American Standard," and later moved to Cincinnati, where he joined local blues musician Lonnie Mack. Returning to Denver, Tommy formed a new project called "Ethereal Zephyr" (later renamed "Zephyr"). The band played a psychedelic blues style and released a couple of albums during their short career. It was in "Zephyr" that Bolin encountered drugs, which later played a fatal role in his life.

Joining "Energy" and Collaborations

In 1971, Tommy joined "Energy," a group that embraced jazz-rock fusion similar to "Weather Report" and "Mahavishnu Orchestra." Although the band did not release any albums, they gained recognition as a professional backing band for artists such as John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, and Albert King. In the summer of 1973, there was a brief reunion of "Zephyr," after which Bolin went to New York. There, he met former "Mahavishnu Orchestra" member Billy Cobham and contributed to the recording of Cobham's jazz-rock album "Spectrum." This outstanding album brought Tommy Bolin popularity. In August 1973, Tommy was invited to join "James Gang," with whom he recorded two albums. However, Bolin was not satisfied with the atmosphere within the band and decided to pursue his own path once again. In 1974, the guitarist collaborated with "Rainbow Canyon," "Dr. John," "Moxy," Alphonse Mouzon (former member of "Weather Report"), and released a live album with his project "Tommy Bolin & Friends." In the spring of 1975, Tommy decided to focus on his solo career and began working on his own album.

"Deep Purple" and Tragic End

However, he had to postpone this project when he unexpectedly received an offer to join "Deep Purple." Nevertheless, he managed to complete "Teaser," his solo album, which was released almost simultaneously with "Come Taste the Band." Bolin's record label made a clever move by attaching a sticker to his solo album stating "Deep Purple guitarist." This did not sit well with the band members, and their relationship with Bolin deteriorated significantly. Even Hughes, who had indulged in cocaine with Tommy, eventually distanced himself from him. While "Deep Purple" had relatively successful concerts in the United States, they were booed by Blackmore's fans in England. As a result, Bolin was forced to leave the band and returned to America. Despite his continued drug use, Tommy managed to record his second album. He toured the United States with Steve Marriott and Robin Trower, and at the end of 1976, he performed as an opening act for Jeff Beck. On December 3rd, Tommy played his last concert, and the following day he was found dead in his hotel room. The cause of death was a drug overdose.