Music Review: My Cousin, Thomas Stafford

First of all, I come from a musical family. My parents recorded a gospel album and sang on radio before I was ever thought of. My older brother, Darrell, can play any instrument put in front of him, and has a voice that can bring tears to the eyes. Some of my most treasured family memories are centered around our piano, Mommy playing and the rest of us singing hymns, or old country standards. No family get together is complete without a sing along, or even staged performances. 

But this article isn't about them. I want to call attention to my first cousin, Tommy Stafford.

This boy, okay, Man, has some serious pipes. His professional name is Thomas Stafford, but he will always be Tommy to me.  If you like Easy Listening or Gospel music, you will love Thomas Stafford.

I last saw Tommy perform live at our family reunion this past summer (2007), and he was incredible, as usual. Our family reunions always include amazing music. Family members practice for weeks prior to the  day, and perform on a stage set up on my Aunt's (now Tommy's) porch. Others come unprepared and are literally goaded into singing, as I and my sisters were. Did I mention we are a musical family? 

I regress, back to Tommy.

While an accomplished musician, Tommy's day job, in the Pacifica School District,California, includes Program Coordinator for the Linda Mar Educational Center; District Music Coordinator; and Choral and Humanities Teacher.

He also has three new CD's coming out, and they are fabulous.

Can we say "Full Plate"? There, I knew you could.


"Start Listening" is a CD of original songs, all written, produced, arranged, and performed by Tommy, with the exception of "Coffee and You", which was co-written with composer Jean Bartlett. Easy listening fans will certainly go for this mix of dance tunes and ballads.

Who knew? , He can write, too!

"Then And Now: Songs Of Faith" is a gospel CD. My personal opinion is that Tommy is at his finest when singing Gospel. His fine tenor resonates powerfully, in this genre.

Tommy got his start singing in church with his Mother, my Aunt Doris. They, as well as his sister, Pam, formed a group "The Staffords", and sang all over Eastern Kentucky for years, starting when Tommy was a mere six years old. Tommy's sister, Pam even performs a few duets with her brother on this CD.


I last heard them sing as a group, albeit on tape, at my Aunt Doris' funeral in 2005. I have to admit, it was a little unnerving hearing my aunt's voice singing at her own funeral, but it was a beautiful tribute. Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. 

"Thomas Stafford Sings Bacharach/David" is a compilation of the great composers of such classics as "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head", "Walk on By", and "What the World Needs Now, Is Love". This CD is an incredible tribute to some of the twentieth century's most popular composers.


I recommend these CDs to anyone of you who is a fan of Easy listening or Gospel not that I am biased or anything. Just because something isn't on Billboard's Top 20 does not mean its not good.