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Tommy Newsom Obituary
Newsom died of cancer at his Portsmouth home Saturday, according to his nephew, Jim Newsom.
Newsom, who played saxophone, joined "The Tonight Show" in 1962 and rose from band member to assistant music director. He retired along with Carson in 1992.
"The Tonight Show" received five Emmy awards during Newsom's years on the show.
"I hope he will be remembered as a gifted musician," Jim Newsom said Monday in a telephone interview. "I'm sure he will be remembered for his wit and deadpan humor on 'The Tonight Show.' And to some of us a certain age, he will always be remembered as Mr. Excitement."
That was the nickname Carson gave Newsom to make light of his low-key personality and drab brown and blue suits - a sharp contrast to the flashy style of bandleader Doc Severinsen.
"He became a running character in Carson's monologue," Jim Newsom said. "Tommy enjoyed that."
Not long after the Carson era ended in 1992, Newsom remarked that his image as an ordinary guy was "fairly accurate - compared to Rambo."
"I realize things have to end sometime," Newsom said at the time. "I felt regrets at it ending and there was a sense of relief in a way."
Along with his work on "The Tonight Show," Newsom arranged and composed music for Skitch Henderson, Woody Herman, Kenny Rogers, John Denver and other performers.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
67 Entries
Fan
February 18, 2021
His humor and talent is still missed as is Johnny's. Rest In Peace.
Eric Schoen
May 28, 2019
I miss him. Tonight show has never been the same without him!
Harry Simpson
April 28, 2019
Godspeed Tommy, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us....
Harry Breetzke
October 2, 2018
An avid viewer of The Tonight Show who misses Tommy along with his fellow co-workers. I miss them all so very very much.
How you can show support
Linda Huthmaker
April 25, 2018
I always enjoy seeing (and hearing) Tommy Newsom, on the wonderful reruns of The Tonight Show, with Johnny Carson. Such wit and personality is unsurpassed, with Tommy. We miss him, along with Johnny and Ed. Such a great trio. Tommy really held his own, whenever he was addressed, in the show. A real trooper!
God bless you, Tommy. See you in Heaven!
Love and blessings,
Linda Huthmaker/Torrance, Ca.
Ed Shiflett
December 4, 2017
I went to this rather small college in Virginia: Madison College, known better as JMU nowadays. So, the Jazz Band was quite good and the director was a collegue of Doc Severnson's back up director and lead Tenor Sax player Tommy Newsom. Most folks don't recall Tommy much and he died a few years back. Well, Mr. Newsom was asked by Doctor West to be a guest performer at Home Coming back in October of 1974. I wasn't in the Jazz Band, but I was the stage crew manager (a work study scholarship). All this to mean that I wasn't anybody and didn't expect to be any other that night. Well, Mr. Newsom played a few numbers and took a rest. He came side stage and sat by me! Now he didn't know me from Adam and still he talked to me like I was Dr. West or someone of value!! I was totally stunned and in awe of this Jazz Great! Tommy, as most called him, would compliment students playing special solos or such. He would encourage them and congratulate them. He would talk to me about how a certain student did well, never ever making a negative statement NOT ONCE. I recall our First Sax player, Ray Ferrara, coming off back stage to continue after intermission. He was on cloud nine!! Tommy had asked him to play a duet with him on a number they were about to play. I remember Ray say, "I'm going to play with Tommy Newsom!!" I was so glad for Ray!! Well, that was the high point of my day, week, and serves to uplift me even now. More important things fell my way, one of the most being recognizing my need for a savior and lord. It was in 1977 that I received Christ in my life in full earnest. THAT was the best decision and day of my life: recieving Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior!!! Still, I give ole Tommy credit for his input...not spiritually, but as an example of positive encouragement.
December 4, 2017
I went to this rather small college in Virginia: Madison College, known better as JMU nowadays. So, the Jazz Band was quite good and the director was a collegue of Doc Severnson's back up director and lead Tenor Sax player Tommy Newsom. Most folks don't recall Tommy much and he died a few years back. Well, Mr. Newsom was asked by Doctor West to be a guest performer at Home Coming back in October of 1974. I wasn't in the Jazz Band, but I was the stage crew manager (a work study scholarship). All this to mean that I wasn't anybody and didn't expect to be any other that night. Well, Mr. Newsom played a few numbers and took a rest. He came side stage and sat by me! Now he didn't know me from Adam and still he talked to me like I was Dr. West or someone of value!! I was totally stunned and in awe of this Jazz Great! Tommy, as most called him, would compliment students playing special solos or such. He would encourage them and congratulate them. He would talk to me about how a certain student did well, never ever making a negative statement NOT ONCE. I recall our First Sax player, Ray Ferrara, coming off back stage to continue after intermission. He was on cloud nine!! Tommy had asked him to play a duet with him on a number they were about to play. I remember Ray say, "I'm going to play with Tommy Newsom!!" I was so glad for Ray!! Well, that was the high point of my day, week, and serves to uplift me even now. More important things fell my way, one of the most being recognizing my need for a savior and lord. It was in 1977 that I received Christ in my life in full earnest. THAT was the best decision and day of my life: recieving Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior!!! Still, I give ole Tommy credit for his input...not spiritually, but as an example of positive encouragement.
Molly McMahan
June 20, 2017
Always love Tommy when I was a little kid I still miss him to this day thank you for all your wonderful music. I played the clarinet also.
Joseph Ullmer
April 25, 2017
Sorry this took so long. Tommy was always just as expected on the tonite show and we, the audience, appreciated him as much as his colleagues. An era gone, but not forgotten. God bless, sweet dreams
Michael
January 23, 2017
Such a wonderful entertainer - and no doubt, a wonderful person as well. You continue filling our home with laughter and music via Tonight Show reruns. My prayer is your family and friends experience the same within their hearts - from the warm memories of time shared. Thank you Mr. Newsom for giving so much to others.
phil stimac
June 10, 2016
good life, tommy, we will miss you and your music
Sharon Brubaker
January 26, 2016
What a sweet man, and a great musician, you had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make people laugh!! Thank you for the precious memories, you will never be forgotten!! :-)
January 17, 2016
Rest in sweet peace
Harry Simpson
February 25, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
glenna clark
March 9, 2014
so sorry for your loss
March 16, 2010
For Tommy...
I wonder have you, Johnny, Ed
and other Tonight Show Members
putting on the big show up there?
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Mark Shanahan
April 12, 2008
I'm sorry this took so long. I worked for Ed McMahon on the tonight show from 1985 until the last show. I had numerous occasions to talk with Tommy and went to one of his shows. He was very personable and a true gentleman. He is greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to the family.
Alan Kahn
January 30, 2008
I always enjoyed Tommy on the Tonight Show.My brother went to Columbia with Tommy as he also got his M.A in Music Ed. His name was Sherman Kahn.He played with Tommy with Vincent Lopez
Karl Thomas
December 17, 2007
I Enjoyed Tommy A Great Deal Will He Was On The Tonight Show. So Many Fond Memories. I Miss Him.
William H. Brown Jr.
May 3, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with the Newsome Family. I always enjoyed watching Tommy interact with Johnny but much more, as a former Sax player, I enjoyed Tommy as a musician.
Kathleen Klomp
May 3, 2007
May God be with your family at this time of loss. Tommy was so funny on the Tonight Show. I used to watch with my folks all the time. Praying for you.
Bill Collins
May 2, 2007
I always enjoyed Tommy's deadpan style, and the fact he could take Carson's ribbing. To his family, I extend my condolences.
Justin Boncore
May 2, 2007
I remember one nite Johnny took a few moments to address the viewers it was your Birthday , Johnny began with his usual humor , Then expressed how talented you are as a Tonite Show musician , God Bless You Tommy ...
Laura Janes
May 2, 2007
The first time I watched The Tonight Show, I was 8 years old and was hiding under the couch! That was before it moved to California and was then 90 minutes in length. I WAS HOOKED! I have missed Johnny Carson and the whole gang since they left the airwaves. An era is passing before our eyes.
My thoughts and prayers are with Tommy's family.
Tiffany Llamas
May 2, 2007
To the family and friends of Tom: May it bring you comfort to know that he is in Gods memory(John5:28,29) and that he will soon be resurrected(Acts24:15) to a better life here on the earth.(Ps 37:29) where there will be no more suffering and pain(Rev.21:4,5) and will be able to enjoy life to the full. Be strong. Tiffany Llamas
s. e.
May 2, 2007
What a musician!
What a guy!
Remembered with laughs & fondness always.
Jon Cabeen
May 2, 2007
Dearest Newsom Family:
Tommy's passing is a great loss to all. What a talented, and truly gifted man he was. I will always remember him as the target of Johnny Carson's jokes. He played the part so well, with the wit and charm of a comic master. He was also indeed a fine musician, band leader, and professional. If you can laugh at others you have a sense of humor. If you can laugh at yourself, then you have virtue. That's what Tommy did, he laughed at himself. It's hip to be square, and Tommy knew that. God bless Tommy Newsom.
Kelley Marshall
May 2, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tommy and your family. Thanks for the memories!
The Marshall Family
Jeanne Jones
May 2, 2007
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed watching him on the tonight show for many, many years. I'm sure he's in heaven with Johnny having a great time.
Richard Hogan
May 2, 2007
Thank you for sharing your gift of music and humor with us Tommy! My prayers and sympathy are extended to the Newsom family. Thank you for sharing your father, husband, friend with the world.
heidi dakis
May 2, 2007
To the Newsom family,I would like to express my sincere sympathys to you and yours. I grew up watching Tommy on the tonight show and he always seemed very pleasant.
Mo Dundon
May 2, 2007
I grew up telling the babysitters ..." I Always watch The Tonight Show !My parent's know it !! " God bless !! Mo
Will Young
May 1, 2007
Once in a while, Tommy would get to play a feature with the Tonight Show Band on either side of a commercial break. The TV viewing audience would only get to see and hear him play for a few fleeting seconds. But what wonderful brief moments those were. He was an utterly fabulous saxophonist, always masterful, on fire and authoritative. Viewers at home would exchange "who knew" looks when he cut loose. And the studio audience would always go wild. You would have too if you had been there on a night when the bank examiner in the brown suit got one of his occasional chances to blow the house down. What a talent. God bless him.
Carol Wright
May 1, 2007
You'll still be making wonderful music!
Charles Balint
May 1, 2007
Thanks for the lovely Memories Tommy indeed things have to end sometime say hi to Johnny Mr. Excitement we loved you. God Bless You Charles Theresa Victoria from Budapest
Richard Brown
May 1, 2007
Thanks for all the Tonight Show Memories...and to the Lord we say,"Heeeeeeeres Tommy!!!"
Jayne Harris
May 1, 2007
All fellow musicians here in Dallas Texas remember Tommy well. We have lost one of our own.
Thank You, Tommy, for sharing so much with us.
With Sympathy,
Aaron O'DWYER
May 1, 2007
I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HERE ABOUT YOUR LOSS YOUR PRAYERS ARE WIH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF NEED.
Lisa Taylor
May 1, 2007
Tommy was always loved by Johnny....and the rest of the viewers. I used to watch The Tonight Show with my Grandmother, then my Mother and now my own family.
Tommy will live on forever in our hearts and through modern technology....may all of his friends and family feel the outpour of prayers and sympathy at this difficult time.
Betty Kirk
May 1, 2007
I was always a fan of the tonight show. It was a great when Tommy filled in for "Doc".
sull
May 1, 2007
rest in peace
Carolyn Barnes
May 1, 2007
Miss you already and pray that fond memories will sustain your family! . . . but we rejoice in the hope that Tommy Newsom has found rest and peace.
Tim Williams
May 1, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael Iezzi
May 1, 2007
Father we entrust our brother Tommy to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Tommy in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Terry Berndt
May 1, 2007
To Tommy's family:
I had been recuperating from a broken thigh for much of 1973-74. Watching the Carson show helped me recover. I enjoyed Tommy's work. God bless you all. Terry Berndt, age 57, Allentown, Pa.
Julia
April 30, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Al ingram
April 30, 2007
A great talented musician, GOD bless his body, soul, and spirit.
Peter Hoover
April 30, 2007
God rest you, Tommy. Say hi to Johnny for me
D.L. ZIMMERMAM
April 30, 2007
REST IN PEACE TOMMY
Judy Billard
April 30, 2007
If people only knew how talented
you were. May you rest in peace
& also play beautiful music with the
"Orchesta Of The Angels".
Mike Baker
April 30, 2007
I thought Tommy Newsom was hysterically funny, with his deadpan manner. I'm sure he would prefer to be remembered more as a musician, but to me he was the funniest guy on The Tonight Show.
Sheila Smith
April 30, 2007
Rest in Peace Tommy.
Betty Ann Martz & Family
April 30, 2007
Pat, You now have a very "special" guardian angel to watch over you. Tommy brought many laughts to our family and all thoes who watched The Tonight Show. He was a very talented musician. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Tina Raptis
April 30, 2007
This is like losing someone in your own family. The Tonight Show with Johnny, Doc and Tommy were our family.
They all brought a lot of happiness and entertainment into our lives. It was great growing up watching them.
RIP Tommy and our sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
B C Goodman
April 30, 2007
God bless you, Tommy. The world has lost a great musical talent. I hope you are jamming with all the greats who have gone before you!
Bill Wilson
April 30, 2007
God bless your family and thank you for the endless music and laughs of such superior quality to anything left these days.
Bill Wilson
April 30, 2007
God bles your family and thank you for the endless music and laughs of such superior quality to anything left these days.
Randall Stevens
April 30, 2007
I always loved watching Carson when Doc was out. I knew that Johnny would try to make a joke - usually at Tommy's expense - and get absolutely no reaction whatsoever. Johnny never - never - got the best of Tommy.
Steve Spiegel
April 30, 2007
Sad to hear of Tommys passing. I always enjoyed the 'Stump the Band' segment, and Tommy Newsom was a big, albeit quiet part, of what made me love The Tonight Show w/Johnny Carson so much.
John Durden
April 30, 2007
In remembrance and appreciation for the enjoyment he brought to so many over the years.
BILL JOHNSON
April 30, 2007
THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES TOMMY. NOW CARSON WILL HAVE SOMEONE TO PICK ON UP THERE.
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