Tommy Hancock facts for kids

Thomas O. Hancock (March 25, 1929 – January 1, 2020) was an American musician. Many people called him the "godfather of West Texas music." This means he was a very important and respected figure in the music scene there.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Tommy Hancock was born and grew up in Lubbock, Texas. His grandmother made sure he learned to play the violin. He had classical training, which means he learned to play in a formal, traditional way.

When he was just 16 years old, Tommy joined the military. He served as a paratrooper and a military policeman. He traveled to the Pacific region during the end of World War II.

The Roadside Playboys

After the war, Tommy returned to Lubbock. He started a popular swing band called the Roadside Playboys. Swing music was a lively style of jazz that was very popular back then. Many different musicians played in the band over time. These included famous performers like guitarist Sonny Curtis and fiddler Benjamin "Tex" Logan.

The Supernatural Family Band

In the late 1940s, Tommy hired a singer named Charlene Condray. They later got married. Tommy and Charlene had five children. Together, they formed a touring band called "The Supernatural Family Band." They traveled and performed in the Rocky Mountains.

Today, three of their children continue to perform together. Their band is called the "Texana Dames."

Music in the 1970s

In the early 1970s, Tommy Hancock met another musician named Jimmie Gilmore. Tommy played the fiddle for Jimmie Dale's band, The Flatlanders. This group became well-known for their unique sound.

Moving to Austin

In 1980, the Hancock family moved to Austin, Texas. Austin is a city famous for its live music scene.

Awards and Recognition

Tommy Hancock received many honors for his music. In March 2000, he was inducted into the Austin Chronicle Music Awards Hall of Fame. This is a special award that recognizes important musicians from the Austin area.

In 2002, "The Supernatural Family Band" also received a big honor. They were inducted into the Country Music Association of Texas Hall of Fame. This showed how much their music meant to people.

Later Years

Tommy Hancock passed away on January 1, 2020. He was 90 years old. He left behind a lasting legacy in West Texas music.