Tom Winslow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Winslow
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Thomas Griffin Winslow |
| Also known as | Thomas Winslow, "Brother" Tom Winslow |
| Born | November 13, 1940 |
| Died | October 23, 2010 (aged 69) |
| Genres | Blues, folk, African American music |
| Instruments | Guitar, banjo |
| Years active | 1960–2010 |
| Labels | Biograph Records |
| Associated acts | Thomasina Winslow, Gary T Winslow, The Winslows, Rev. Gary Davis, Peter Seeger, Al Polito, Guy Davis |
Thomas Griffin Winslow (born November 13, 1940 – died October 23, 2010) was an American folk singer and writer. He was known for being a student of the famous musician Reverend Gary Davis. He also played in Pete Seeger's band.
Tom Winslow performed with his family, calling their group The Winslows. He had a music career that lasted over 40 years. He is most famous for writing "Hey Looka Yonder (It's The Clear Water)". This folk song became the official song for the Sloop Clearwater.
He traveled and performed across the United States. He continued to play music in Upstate New York until he passed away at age 69. His children, Thomasina Winslow and Gary T Winslow, are also musicians.
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Early Music Journey
When Tom Winslow was a teenager, his grandfather, Thomas Winslow, taught him to play the guitar. He later joined the band of Reverend Gary Davis. Davis was a country-folk musician from the early 1900s.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Tom Winslow toured all over the United States. Sometimes he performed alone, and other times he played with his family as The Winslows. In the 1960s, he also worked with horses at Vassar College. During the off-season, he worked in construction in Albany, New York.
"Hey Looka Yonder (It's the Clearwater)"
Tom Winslow is widely remembered for writing and performing "Hey Looka Yonder." This song is also known as "It's the Clearwater." He recorded it with Biograph Records in 1969.
The song tells the story of how people raised money for the sloop Clearwater. It highlights how "black and white" people worked together. Their goal was to create a floating school for environmental education. This school's mission was to help clean up the very polluted Hudson River.
This song is important for several reasons:
- It was the first environmental song written by an African-American songwriter. This was two years before "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" came out.
- It was a major project between Peter Seeger and Tom Winslow.
- It was the very first recording by The Winslows. Tom Winslow's whole family was on the song. This included his young daughter, Thomasina Winslow. She is now a blues singer herself.
The album and single of "It's the Clearwater" were very popular for folk music. Collectors of old-time folk music still want these recordings today.
Folk Music World
Tom Winslow was a part of the folk music scene for 40 years. People described his music as "classic blues and spirituals." They said he was a "seasoned craftsman."
He was a mentor to many musicians. This included his own children and Guy Davis.
Later Performances
In the early 2000s, Tom Winslow mostly stayed near his home. He lived in New Baltimore, New York. This was because he was taking care of his wife, Edral, who passed away in 2007.
He often played at the People's Voices Cafe in New York City in the 1980s. He also performed at the Towne Crier Cafe in Beekman, New York. His music was played on WFMU's radio program, Shrunken Planet.
In 2001, he performed at a special show at Lincoln Center. It was a tribute to Reverend Gary Davis. Tom Winslow played with many other famous musicians there.
He performed at least once a year at the Caffe Lena. This is a famous folk and blues place in Saratoga Springs. At his last show on September 16, 2007, his daughter Thomasina joined him.
In the early 2000s, he regularly played in Troy's Washington Park. He also performed at the Troy Farmer's Market. His last performance there was on April 26, 2008. People called him an "Edu-tainer Par Excellence!" This means he was excellent at both educating and entertaining.
His shows at the Troy Farmer's Market helped it win awards. Metroland newspaper gave it "Best Farmer's Market - Best Goods." His performance was specifically praised. He also shared in an award for "Best live regional entertainment."
Passing Away
Tom Winslow passed away peacefully on October 23, 2010. He was 69 years old. He died from problems caused by a stroke.
Discography
- Tom Winslow (Biograph 1969), includes "Bring Them Home" (a Pete Seeger tune).
- It's the Clear Water (Biograph 1969, re-released 1992) BLP-12018
- Inner Octaves (Truth Records 1978) (TR13712)
- PBS documentary, 'Til the River Runs Clear (soundtrack)
- Played with Gary Winslow on D Baby
- Played with Al Polito (guest guitarist)
See also
