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Thomas Oliver Obituary
He has passed on to be with the Lord and His angels on May 2,2006. Tommy was born on September 19, 1932; raised in upstate New York. After coming to Hollywood, he rose to prominence in the music business as a composer, arranger and conductor. His long list of achievements include, Grammy nominations, movie and television credits for comedy, variety and game shows. He arranged and produced hit albums by Doris Day, Edie Adams, Donny and Marie Osmond, Charles Boyer, Franky Avalon, Joanie Sommers, Eddie Fisher, Vicki Carr and Jefferson Airplane, to name a few. He was the music producer for Name That Tune, Face the Music, the Playboy After Dark Show, the Donny and Marie Show and many more. He is survived by his children, all of whom adored him and whom he adored: Tatiana, Sharon, David, Steven, and Michelle and by his grandchildren, Melissa and Scotland and by Suzie Oliver. A celebration of his life to be held at his daughter Sharon's house on Saturday, May 6, 2006, open house from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., 5474 Amber Circle, Calabasas, CA 91302.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Oliver
5 Entries
Dr. Nick D'Amico
June 28, 2022
Such great memories working with Tommy in the studio when we were with Liberty UA. He was a cheerleader for my music and helped me build my self confidence as a young musician and recording artist. So grateful for his guidance and support.
Robert Ash
May 26, 2006
I,ve Been A Big Fan Of Tommy For Years. I Liked Him On Face The Music-Name That Tune. My Prayers Goes To His Family. God Bless You
Robert
Jan MacDougal
May 14, 2006
"T",
You were a dear friend. You, John and and I had such fun together over the years at Canada Lake, NY and CA. I will be in California next week and was going to visit you. Now I shall have only memories; but they are great ones. Love you. Jan
Brenda Lane
May 5, 2006
God's heavenly orchestra gained another conductor on May 2, when we lost this amazing gentleman.
I never met Tommy, but from watching him on shows like "Name That Tune" and hearing his wonderful arrangements for vocalists and TV, that he was truly one amazing man. It is very difficult to imagine a Hollywood soundstage or recording studio without him.
Rest in peace with the angels, dear Tommy.
Woodie Belk
May 4, 2006
My biggest memory of Tommy happened on one episode of 'Face The Music'.
When host Ron Ely berated Tommy's orchestra for not playing in tune, he refused to play the next musical clue to a round two puzzle. When Lisa Donovan was on camera to sing the next clue, Tommy's band members picked up and read the LA Times.
Ron was wondering why the next song wasn't playing, until he saw Tommy's picket sign, which read: 'ON STRIKE FOR COMPLIMENTS!'
In 1984-85, on 'Name That Tune', there was a contestant (who won the Golden Medley) who needlessly jumped up and down, as if something was wrong with him. When Tommy's band was playing, he shouted to host Jim Lange, "LET HIM GO TO THE BATHROOM!" Later that month, when the same contestant won his semifinal tournament match, Tommy and his band were hopping around him, playing their instruments.
May God be with you, Tommy. You left a lasting imprint in the world of music.
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