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Preston Hubbard
1953 - 2016
Preston Hubbard
1953 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1953
DIED
2016
Preston Hubbard Obituary
Hubbard joined the popular blues rock band in 1984 when he was asked by his friend and Thunderbirds member Jimmie Vaughan. He was a member of the band through their most successful period. He played on the hit songs “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap it Up.” “Tuff Enuff” was the band’s biggest single to this day, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hubbard was with the band until 1994.
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Hubbard hailed from Providence, Rhode Island. Before he joined the Thunderbirds, he was a member of the popular blues swing band from Rhode Island, Roomful of Blues. Roomful of Blues had Grammy nominations in 1983 and 1984. The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Roomful of Blues were introduced to each other by mutual friends, and the bands developed a close relationship.
Hubbard also played and/or recorded with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana and Big Joe Turner.
Hubbard later was in the Austin, Texas band Nick Curran and the Nitelifes.
Fans and friends of the bassist shared their condolences on social media.
"Just heard that Preston Hubbard has died," wrote Joanne Shaw Taylor, a British guitarist, on Instagram. "A true hero of mine, supporter and friend. I grew up watching him play with the T-Birds. When I was 19 a demo of mine fell into his hands and he made the effort to get in touch with me personally.
"He offered a lot of praise, guidance and support and only because he wanted to, He came out when he could if I was playing in St. Louis to support me. I'm not quite sure what's happened but I know that my world is not the same place moving forward. Thank you prez...This one hurts ..JoJo xx"
"Preston was a high school friend of mine. We started a band as teens called 8th Day. He had an Ampeg amp and the longest bass I ever saw. He was a great kid with a good heart. Became fantastic at upright bass. His Rhode Island friends were really proud of his career." - Steve G
65 Entries
Blem
March 28, 2025
I woke up this morning thinking we haven't talked in awhile..... thought I'd call and see if you're gonna be around.... thought I'd make a trip your way..........then I realized the reality.......still think of you, bro, and family......much love
Niki Ekiaka
January 10, 2025
Prez, it’s been many years since you left us but we think of you often, we laugh, we cry. You had such an impact on our lives. If only you knew ‘Rayshell’ and I have been in “Da Lou” for many years now. Doesn’t seem right being here without you. And Monkey got engaged last night while performing on Antone’s stage. Your memory and spirit was embracing us. I know you are sharing in this with us in some way.
Brent L.
June 29, 2024
It was an honour to have met you in '86 and then see you again in '89, wish I had been able to get to to know you better, your warmth and talent and brief friendship really inspired me. Love and prayers Preston, condolences to your family and friends.
mascle michel
March 11, 2024
RIP presto great musician Michel french fan
How you can show support
Ivory Gidner
December 17, 2023
I knew Pinky at a dark time in my life, but he was always nice to me, and we loved our dogs.
orin phillips
March 13, 2019
sure missing you amigo, RIP....
sky kaly
November 9, 2017
I wondered why I did not hear from Preston. I really enjoyed watching him play his stand up bass with the T-Birds. He will be missed.
Steve McLaughlin
September 2, 2017
Was a monster of a Tbirds fan and saw Preston play many times at various venues. One night went in to Buzzard Billys here in town to catch some tunes and a brew or two. That night they had a blues player from Austin whose name escapes me. Got to looking and listening to the bass player thinking he sure looks and plays like Preston. Sure enough, the leader introduced band members and it was Preston Hubbard on bass. I let out a war hoop to beat sixty and was the only one in the place to do so. Everyone in the place was looking at me including Preston but I didnt care...I was probably the only one in the place who knew who the Tbirds where and let them know it. During the break, Preston came over to my table and sat down wondering what I was so excited about. Told him I was Tbirds fan and a Preston fan. He sat and talked with me the whole break.....very easy going and funny guy. World a lesser place now.
Robert
May 28, 2017
A good man with a huge heart, you are deeply missed
Brian Brock
January 9, 2017
Preston would always call me when he was playing in Denver. He would borrow my BMW motorcycle and disappear for hours. I didn't mind it at all as he could ride a motorcycle as adeptly as he played bass. Attached photo is The Fabulous Thunderbirds minus Fran Cristina. Preston, Jimmy Vaughn, Kim Wilson and myself eating BBQ ribs at the old Caledonia's in Denver, CO. He got a plate of bad ribs and later that night had to jump off of the stage at Straight Johnson's and heave up the BBQ. He was back on stage in a flash and didn't miss a beat. I got to sit in on guitar with him when he was with Roomful of Blues and played "Last Night" by the Markeys. Ronnie Earl told me to play loud and hard as the horn section will swallow you alive. Best night of my life! Preston was a cool cat who got all the fine chicks! RIP Prez!
Dan
January 4, 2017
So sorry to hear of Preston's passing. Used to see him on Sunday nights with roomful at the Knick in Westerly back in the 70's. Loved his music then, still love it today. RIP
Yolanda Carrillo
November 1, 2016
Pinky my dear friend so sad to hear that you had departed but I know you are in heaven with your friends Kelly and Kidd God bless you Pinky till we meet again Yole
John Highkin
September 22, 2016
Really sad to hear about Preston. Last saw him in Ventura in 1992 with the Fabulous Thunderbirds but knew him through friends in Providence in the late 1970s. Hung out and worked with his brother Jimmy. Preston was the coolest man I ever knew. Generous and funny. My regards to his family.
Lorri Cook
September 3, 2016
I wish to thank you for the beautiful gift of music you have given us all, it lives in our hearts like a flame to warm us throughout our lives. I pray for you, in this next life.
Linda Cinquegrano
August 30, 2016
Hope high, class of 71
Sanndra DelSignore
August 30, 2016
RIP Preston, your contribution to the 70's music scene in Providence will never be forgotten.
Prez, me and Joe Meyer
Audrey Perlmutter
August 27, 2016
A genuine man with a soft side, he's missed..
August 25, 2016
Although you're gone the memories made with you will remain some of the funnest days of my life! You had the biggest heart and a way of making everyone that meant you feel special. Your stage presence was like no other while you played bass. I wish I would've kept in better contact with you and hate I didn't get to say goodbye Much love sent your wayI'll never forget you!
C. W. Hall
August 24, 2016
Sympathy and love to his family and close friends.
[An old friend and neighbor from Cypress Street].
C.W. Hall
Lebanon, NJ
August 23, 2016
One of my favorite bands... So sorry for his family and friends. From a fan in burrillville, ri
Dennis "Wemus" Grubb
August 22, 2016
Preston.....................Rest In Peace, Mr. Bassman. You always put a full body feeling into your music and your life.
Kevin boyd
August 22, 2016
Kevin boyd, i was saddend to read the marquee at vintage vinyl records,Sunday and learned of prestons passing.i was a college rep for cbs records in the late eighties ,early nineties.all of the t birds, wether it be,at farm aid,in lincoln Nebraska, the old Mississippi nites, or on the square in sprinfield ill,or,when I booked them at umsl s mirthday.my prayers go out to his fans,family and friends they always had time for the people. k
PATTY LOGAN SHAFER
August 21, 2016
REST IN PEACE HUBB!" IT WAS A DELIGHT MEETING YOU WHEN YOU PLAYED WITH THE THUNDERBIRDS WHEN I MET YOU THE 1ST TIME AT DRUMMERS FRAN CHRISTINAS MOS HOUSE WHEN YOU WERE THEIR WITH THE 1 ST BAND BUS WHEN YOU GUYS SIGNED THE BUTT ROCENALBUM FOR ME AND MY MOM AND MY POSTER YOU SIGNED FOR ME.I LOVED YOU GUYS THE VERY 1ST TIME I MET YOU GUYS AT FRAN CHRISTINAS MOMS HOUSE ONE BRUTAL HOT SUMMER DAY WHEN I WALKED TO THE HOUSE.YOU GUYS MADE THE BAND SPECIAL WHEN FRAN CHRISTINA WAS THE DRUMMER.LOED YOU ALL SO MUCH.WILL MISS YOU ALOT HUBB.WHEN I MET YOU YOU ALWAYS TOLD ME TO CALL YOU HUBB.RIP HUBB YOUR BIG FAN ALWAYS PAT LGAN PAWCATUCK CT
August 21, 2016
The sorrow of the faithful is not that of permanent loss, but the tender sense of sadness that comes in saying good-bye for now to someone we love. May today's sorrow give way to the peace and comfort of God's love. John 6:40-
MG
August 21, 2016
Rest in Peace.
Harry Simpson
August 21, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
August 20, 2016
Pinky,
Thanks for leading me astray at an early age ...Providence has never been the same since!
Theresa
August 20, 2016
RIP Prez..... Praying for peace and comfort for your family. One of the best now gone but not forgotten....
michelle plakas-kaiser
August 20, 2016
rip
August 20, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 20, 2016
You were one of the kindest persons I have ever met Preston. You will live in my heart forever. Tayo
Linda
August 20, 2016
Though death can steal your loved one, it can never steal your love, it lives in your hearts, and it lives in your memories. May you hold fast those memories and they will help you to deal with this great loss. Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow. My sincere condolences on your loss.
August 20, 2016
Please allow these words from Isaiah 61:1,2 comfort you, your family, and friends: "He sent me (Jesus Christ) to bind the brokenhearted,... To comfort all who mourn,..."
Bill Rosmus
August 19, 2016
RIP Preston Hubbard.
Late 80's Greenville SC ... RIP Preston....
Theresa
August 19, 2016
August 19, 2016
WE SEND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLES TO THE FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. WE HOPE THAT THE PROMISE FOUND AT 1 THE. 4:4 CAN BRING SOME COMFORT TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A FUTURE FOR THOSE WE LOSS IN DEATH CAN BE SO REASSURING.
Linda Piurek
August 19, 2016
it was a pleasure meeting/knowing you for these past 4-5years, you were always nice and friendly every time we met up! RIP
bob davis
August 19, 2016
Mike Flagg reminds me about Napalm Sundae w/ Tommy Dickey. I remember talking about how cool the old HP Lovecraft digs were. You lived the life some of us only dreamt of. I'll remember the kind, baby-faced kid.
August 19, 2016
Please accept my condolences at this difficult time. Find comfort in the joy that Preston brought others with his musical talent.
Raechelle
Sharon Tippens
August 19, 2016
May the God of tender mercies who comfort us in all our trials be with your loved ones at this time.
August 19, 2016
Awww Pinky....I love ya man...
Patti Dwyer-Clarke
August 19, 2016
I was profoundly saddened to hear of this news. He was wonderful to me after the passing of my brother (Frank Villano), who he knew from Providence. Preston was a beautiful soul, and extremely talented; may he rest in peace.
Shannon Courto
August 19, 2016
Feel lucky I had the honor of knowing you and seeing you play in St. Louis. We've lost a true legend. RIP
DAVE STONE
August 19, 2016
sure gonna miss you Amigo..rest easy in Bluez Heaven... PAT'S NATION....
Dave Stone
August 19, 2016
sure gonna miss you Amigo...Rest easy in Bluez Heaven...PATS NATION...
linda cinquegrano
August 19, 2016
From Hope High, to RISD, and to infinity...play on, Prez!!! RIP
Michelle Arthington
August 19, 2016
Seven years ago I watched the Super Bowl at his crib for the first time, then became his football buddy. We watched so many games and had so many laughs, until my sides would ache. He was a master of the bass, but also a genuinely funny, intelligent and loving friend. I am so happy that he was in my life. I love you, my friend and miss you with all of my heart.
August 19, 2016
Beloveds, truly sorry to hear about Preston Hubbard. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
August 19, 2016
My condolences for your loss. Losing a loved one is something we can never prepare for. May the God of comfort bring you strength during this hard times and may you find hope in his future promises found in his word.
August 19, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Adrian Barnette
August 18, 2016
We'll miss you !
Caroline Casey
August 18, 2016
Austin will always cherish you, Preston. You've meant so much to so many in Texas and beyond.
R.I.P.
Joseph Barron
August 18, 2016
Preston, Rest in Peace.
Great memories of the gig's
we did together in Atlanta
back in the early eighties.
GOD Bless You.
Curt Brown
August 18, 2016
Revel in the joy of The Lord. Eternal peace is now yours.
Chris Hogan
August 18, 2016
I didn't know Preston as a "rock star" or "legendary bassist." Preston and his best friend Chulah were my neighbors. He was a great guy who always had a friendly greeting and an infectious grin. We talked over the fence, mostly about our dogs and the things he planned to plant in his garden. He was my friend next door who I will miss immensely.
Jim Tourtelott
August 18, 2016
It's hard for me to imagine this. It's close to half a century since I first met Preston and Paul. I can still see him as a kid playing gigs in holes in the wall in Providence, and I can still remember the last time I saw him in the flesh at Antone's and our last long talk on the phone after a front page story in the Chronicle told me where he'd been since. Goodbye, my friend.
RLA
August 18, 2016
I enjoyed his music. I am saddened to learn of his death. My condolence to his family and friends. May God's peace be with those close to him-Rom. 15:33.
libra Houston
August 18, 2016
RIH My Dear Friend You Will Be Missed Dearly, We All Love You So Much. I Know You Are In A Better Place. You Will Always Have A Place In My Heart. XOXO
Professor Harp
August 18, 2016
RIP
Adrian Barnette
August 18, 2016
We'll miss you !
Steve
August 18, 2016
Thanks for some cool music . Bless you and your family
Scott Chamberland
August 18, 2016
Rest in Peace
Pam
August 18, 2016
Condolences to his family & friends. We lost another one.
Preston Hubbard you won't be forgotten. I am sure you have already met up with SRV in heaven and joining his band again RIP
August 18, 2016
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