I was 13 and standing around at a Waylon Jennings concert at Lanier Land Music Park with my parents. My dad, who can talk to anyone, struck up a conversation with one of the Hell's Angels, who was doing security. The next thing I knew, the guy said, 'Well Waylon likes kids,' and I was on my way back stage to meet him."
Thus began a lifelong friendship that would lead Tommy Townsend into the studios, and learning from his ultimate music mentor, Waylon Jennings. Tommy was born in rural Blairsville, GA, to Roy and Ida Townsend, and was one of two kids. Like most southern boys, Tommy was taught time-honored values of hard work, love of God, of family, country, and country music.
A native of Blairsville, Georgia, Tommy Townsend had the rare distinction of being mentored by Waylon. Waylon was a pivotal force in Townsend's life, and the two collaborated several times over the years, with Waylon playing and singing harmony on some tracks and even co-producing a full album on Tommy with Jigger Bridges. Many times Waylon and band would take Tommy under their wings and into the studio, and occasionally, out for an appearance on the road.
His writing is getting noticed, too. He has had the thrill of seeing Alan Jackson perform his song "If I Had Back Now What I Had Back Then," in concert. Townsend plays regularly at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and Rippy's in Nashville, TN. He was invited to play the Ryman for Kitty Wells 50th anniversary of the release of her signature song "Honky Tonk Angels." "This was a special thrill because dad joined me on stage, playing his 1947 Gibson he'd given me four years earlier. Dad always wanted to be a professional musician, so this was a dream come true for him," says Tommy.
