Crain, John Thomas, Jr., “Tommy” – Age 59 of Franklin, TN. Jan 13, 2011. Preceded in death by his daughter, Ella Helen Crain. Survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Crain (Helen), his wife, Melissa Williams Crain, his daughter, Ann Crain McDuffee, his grandson, Hunter McDuffee (the joy of his life), his brother Billy Crain (Sandy), his sister Sherry Crain Arledge (James) and many nieces and nephews.
Tommy attended Parmer School and Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. He began piano lessons when he was six years old, learned how to play the ukulele in the 6th grade and won a talent contest in grammar school. Tommy went on to master all stringed instruments, including guitar, banjo and the pedal steel. He played in various local bands in Nashville, the most well known being Flat Creek Band, in which his brother Billy also played guitar. Tommy was a member of Buckeye when they opened for The Charlie Daniels Band at the first Volunteer Jam in 1974.
Tommy joined The Charlie Daniels Band in 1975, the same year he married his sweetheart, Melissa. He joined The CDB for a 15-year run, playing on over 20 albums and co-writing over 60 songs with the group, including the Grammy Award-winning song, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.” During his years with The CDB, Tommy became one of the most influential musicians in Southern Rock Music, as well as on the world stage.
In 1989, Tommy left The CDB to help his wife raise their daughter, Ann, and assist in Melissa’s career of equestrian endurance riding, which became a passion of Tommy’s. He was employed by Rogers Remodeling of Franklin, TN, Southbound Trains of Franklin,TN, and was the leader of Tommy Crain and the Crosstown Allstars of Atlanta.
Tommy had fans all over the world and was a unique, creative and precious human being. He was known to his friends as Wild Man, but to his grandson, he was just The Bopper. A Memorial Service will be held for friends and family. Details are pending. Donations can be made to the Nashville Local Chapter of MUSICANS ON CALL, 1313 21st Avenue, Oxford House, Suite 1002, Nashville, TN, 37232.
