Tommy Tedesco Throwback Thursday From the MI Vault 3/28/1996

[@davemelton1834]

I was there! So great to see this after 44 years left an impression on me, never forgot, what a f'n guy! God bless him

[@JorgeQuevedoPalomo]

God bless Tommy Tedesco's hands, those hands should be on Hollywood Boulevard with all the stars. I had the grand honor to have met him; he used to play, I think it was once a month at The Two Dollar Bill; a club/pub . When he took a break from his set he went out to have a smoke and I followed him and he talked to me as if I was an old friend. I began by telling him that I'd read every single issue of Guitar Player and that his column Studio Log was my favorite. He was a Mahatma. He must be in heaven conducting the gang. Kudos to his son for creating his documentary!! Be well, all of you!!

[@spontaneousgroovincombusti2902]

“I never copied licks... I copied feelings.” Bravo, Tommy, that’s music to my ears.

[@roman14032]

people, before you criticize him just remember your looking at the single most recorded guitarist in world history you have been listening to this guy play guitar YOUR WHOLE LIFE in fact ,in relative terms; you have rarely heard anyone else

[@thomaspick4123]

roman14032 Tommy has a great sense of humor. The reason he might not have remembered is because he laid down the tracks. The singers came in on a different date and laid vocals down on the premade tracks that Tommy was on. Thus, it is likely, he never heard the completed track. He was already on to the next project.

[@MrDeevo]

Are you kidding? I LOVE TOMMY!!!

[@LightningDogg]

Who would criticize this legend??

[@odurandina]

What many will not immediately realize---this was 4 years after his stroke..... he was quite a ways off from.his peak virtuoso years (here). The day before his stroke he was extremely close to his peak.

[@marcillioficino4663]

@@LightningDogg Are you kidding? The world is full of imbeciles.

[@soolan11]

My intention was to watch 10-15 min, but stayed till the end. Really enjoyable.

[@KevinHackett]

Would you mind giving me some feedback on my music? Tommy Tedesco is a big inspiration to me. I have some uploaded on the channel "live" that I'm commenting from. I'm no professional but I have a love of music and I love feedback and constructive criticism or just to connect with people through my music in some way. If you decide to take a look, I hope you enjoy it or connect with it and don't feel like it I a waste of your time. Thank you for your time.

[@SoulfulGuitarLessons]

same

[@jessej.guevara7086]

Me too....funny and clever.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I'm 2 minutes in and thinking the same thing. I remember as a kid reading in the back of guitar magazines this Tedesco guy showing how to do this or that and unfortunately didn't pay enough attention to it. Now I wouldn't put down a lesson from this guy until I knew it forward and backwards. So I could play it upside down like he did at a session. L O L WOW What a character.

[@DaveManleyguitar]

I learned to read music from his book "For Guitar Players Only". That book is a must for the beginning reader, there is no better book!

[@pb12661]

this was filmed after a stroke left him basically without the use of his left arm. He had to rehab it and the rest of his left side in order to play again. Still sounds great. He's definitely a guitarist's guitarist.

[@erikvaldur3334]

He was the king. I went to this school in 93 to 94. Saw him then do one of these shows. Best show I've seen. The wealth of knowledge this man has is simply amazing.

[@mothersuperior7942]

TT's left hand after a stroke is faster and stronger than mine...and I've been a guitarist my whole life...he was scary good

[@DomMinasi]

Tommy was one of the greatest studio guitarist of all time. He could read and play anything by sight. He's not a loud mouth, he has a great sense of human, which you need in stressful situations and believe me playing in studio orchestras for movies and TV ain't easy.

[@KevinHackett]

Would you mind giving me some feedback on my music? Tommy Tedesco is a big inspiration to me. I have some uploaded on the channel "live" that I'm commenting from. I'm no professional but I have a love of music and I love feedback and constructive criticism or just to connect with people through my music in some way. If you decide to take a look, I hope you enjoy it or connect with it and don't feel like it I a waste of your time. Thank you for your time.

[@frankpitochelli6786]

He was quite a funny and charming personality, not to mention that he was a crack number one guitarist, we don't have people like this anymore, R.I.P big guy.!!

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

To put it mildly, he was simply awesome... and hilarious to boot. R.I.P. TommyT.🎸

[@kickbiker7920]

Tedesco has a brilliant sense of humour . His stellar playing goes without saying. This is the first time I've heard him speak. He doesn't disappoint!

[@sblack48]

He had had a stroke

[@ralex3697]

In spite of everything he said he was brilliantly talented. Most people are not that creative. He was supremely gifted. Such an imagination. Hit records don’t make themselves. The whole Wrecking Crew were on another level.

[@BassistPaul]

I used to subscribe to "Guitar Player" mag just for this man's page. Wonderful.

[@LAOMUSICARTS]

My beloved teacher and mentor since I was a kid!

[@DS-gv5fs]

What a great video! Thank you for posting one of the Masters.

[@oceanographicscorp]

I saw him at MI back in the late 80s wow good times

[@courtlaw1]

This is probably the best guitar lesson I ever had.

[@violinoscar]

In the 70s I used to buy Guitar Player magazine, I still have all those old copies, especially to read Tommy's column. He was the king of session players and I wanted to be a session player above all. I didn't know that the writing was on the wall for session musicians. Tommy had a reputation of being able to sight read anything you put in front of him. His Guitar Player page would include a score that he had played that week. Sometimes this was a professionally scribed score, other times it was, literally, something someone had scrawled on a napkin. Tommy was king. This is the first time I've heard him speak. Thanks for posting this.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

@gmw1961 YESSS.. I remember too (says old man from daze of dial telephones, B&W televisions (integrated?), etc...!

[@waltrohrbach2459]

Yeah, remember Tommy Tedesco's column in guitar player mag as well in late seventies. Good times.

[@scutoscuto]

You all wrote beautiful things about Tommy. It's a testament to one of the greatest musicians but also to an incredible human being that helped everyone he came in contact with without an ulterior motive but making the world better. I was lucky to have met him, honored I would say. And I was lucky enough to be able to buy at an auction, few years back, one of his Yamaha Sa-2000, well used and dripping with Tedesco mojo. I always play the "latin" lick a a first thing on that guitar in his honor! We really really miss you Tom.

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

2:21 I remember Tommy giving us guitar students from GIT tickets to that concert at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion .. This video reminded me of us students laughing at his solo. thank YOU Tommy for reminding ME of that wonderful time !!!!!!!

[@cornellfauler4396]

So much humanity, and love in him no worries for him ,just a real guitar great that happens to be a really great person ,Thanks Tommy

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

@@cornellfauler4396 did you get to meet Tommy ?

[@allancerf9038]

Saw him in 80's at a music store 'clinic' in Bellevue, WA. Was fabulous. He told his familiar story where he said I can only play one flamenco lick and he's used it - that single lick for years kept him paid handsomely for years. I'm sure he knew more than one but it's a fabulously instructive story. Only other thing I remember, was some snooty due said he was a country guitarist and asked a super technical question. I got the impression the dude probably really was a great country guitarist. Tommy said "we have some really good musicians today asking fantastic questions" and then answered the guy's technical question as if it was a totally different question, the gist of which was, if you want to play great technical country licks, come up with something imaginative. Wonderful guy.

[@Achase4u]

This video is pure gold. What an amazing musician and personality. Holy moly. Hilarious, too.

an amazing guy.. i loved his columns in guitar player way back... what a great video to hear the man tell all those stories

[@harpman1876]

I used to love Tommy's column each month in Guitar Player magazine back in the '70s. Good old days.

[@ericw751]

What a treat! Tommy literally made modern recorded guitar accompaniment! I wish I had met him! He was one of the best!

[@MALDAVIN]

That was once of the best and funniest video's I have ever seen on You Tube and I had to watch all 57 mins it was so good, what a funny guy.

[@florencerussell3552]

A True Genius with a great heart and mind like a computer....could read anything and with that also a great sense of humor. He was one of a kind and the likes of him will never be seen again. RIP TT

[@funguy4utube]

THANKS for posting this .... I have so much respect for this man ..... he was the best ! Hope ya have a guitar in heaven Tommy ... maybe they put you in charge of harp !

[@art77fun]

I worked for the delivery company that would deliver Tommy's equipment to the studios. I set up his amp and guitar many times a week for a couple of years.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

AND....?

[@kickbiker7920]

Was he a fussy type of guy? His humour comes across as very droll. What was he like with you?

[@pb12661]

and.......

[@melodymakermark]

and, then he went home to his wife and kids and they had dinner and everyone lived happily ever after.

[@markesquivelarvizu6942]

Andy Brauer?

[@coolvibes3663]

"You got to come in there and give them something they don't have" Thank for for the encouragement, now I'm going to need some courage:)

[@crickella]

The Wrecking Crew member. What a wonderful person and a musician he was. We are fortunate to have his mark on the records! Rest in peace, Tommy.

[@ralex3697]

He was the Wrecking Crew, total genius

[@dannylharper6889]

I love this! What an amazing guy and musician.

[@edwardmiller4709]

What a card! I laughed my ass off! What a great musician!! What a great attitude, I can do it, even if I've never tried before. You'd be amazed what you can do in a situation where you're under a lot of pressure and in unfamiliar territory. You can either blow it, or do a great job, it all depends on your attitude and overcoming the fear of the unknown. I've learned a lot being in situations where I had to really be on my toes and pay attention, playing unfamiliar material. Tedesco is great!!!!

[@chrisstuart9958]

I've heard that another of these recordings could be highly stressful and if you could keep everyone somewhat relaxed then they kept you around

[@merseybeat1963]

Understand..This is after his stroke and that he was a Master of the guitar. This guy and his fellow Crew created the magic that was music of the 1960's. I am lucky to have been raised on it.

[@jeanroy8283]

This man was a genius! I just discovered this man, wow what pure 100% talent!

[@tomsmyth4836]

Singly the most enjoyable video I have ever seen. What an amazing character. Must have been a laugh a minute working with him. And a gem of a musician to boot!

[@ProNetUSA]

My Family grew up with Tommy on 12th Street in Niagara Falls. My Dad always had very high respect for Tommy.

[@catboyzee]

You can tell that before his health began to fail, Tommy Tedesco was ridiculously badass. The funny thing is that even in poor health he was badass...LMBO. Respect and RIP.

[@msaintpc]

He was one brilliant genius. One of my idols.

[@basslabd]

I knew Tommy for several years as I was first a student at MI and later as an employee. I have some great Tedesco Stories.... He was a RARE individual and I miss him. Shortly before he died he came to Las Hadas Mexican Restaurant and I was playing in the big band (can't remember the leader's name but he played accordian, lived in Vegas and drove a Rolls to the valley every Tuesday). I believe Tommy recognized me but before the set ended he an the family left. He also made very complimentary remarks at my class recording session.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

the story of the latin feel at the beginning is EPIC...he is so inside and real...the Georgia On My Mind endings was epic! ...Lukather has a lot of Tommy in him!

[@marcusanderson5745]

maple heights Ohio, the 80s ,I go to a Catholic Church for a guitar clinic by Mr tededco, raise my hand, called me on stage and forgot how to read, he covered me, thank you

[@ciadella1971]

I'm from Niagara Falls, NY like Tommy was. He is a local musical hero. And he deserved it. He played on every TV show from the 50s,60s,70s. Endless top 40 songs. He is the ultimate studio musician. And most importantly his sight writing skills were amazing. And all musicians know that sight reading isn't easy unless you do it ALOT! This was recorded about a year before Tommy passed away. RIP Tommy Tedesco. 🙏

[@joefresh6050]

Was his father from calabria?

[@paulogarbonzo2641]

Truly a National Treasure. Thank you Mr. Tedesco.

[@keithamyx1215]

Going to MI was one of the best experiences I ever had. I learned later who and what these men and women had already accomplished. I still feel I was Lucky. '89.

[@rick00770]

Thanks subscribed, I’m a big fan of the wrecking crew. Tommy is an inspiration. 😊

[@nodbrite4418]

love his tone as he describes his accomplished and result oriented achievements...& Human touch to sharing inside experience.,priceless

[@jsilence418]

I used to love his attitude in the GUITAR PLAYER magazine columns what a gem, this is great .

[@vito9674]

Musicians like Tommy and drummer Hal Blaine were the backbone of the recording music Industry ! Thank you to them for their gift of song ! RIP to them All !

[@atgred]

With all due respect, as a mexican guitarist, thanks Tommy for giving us the Flamenco intro as a gift for the Spanish flamenco guitarists that maybe rambling that that is not Mexican music style but from Spain. 😜

[@cccattorney]

I studied with Tommy Tedesco at Musicans Institute way back in the day. I loved my time at Musicians Institute, back then it was Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT). Great Times

[@robertgarcia4117]

Steven Garcia Tommy is playing the guitar 🎸 for lord 🙏 now. GO TOMMY GO. GO GO GO.✌✌

[@Boddissatva]

I learned so much from This. Thank you Tommy

[@Boogs5150]

So glad I searched this when I heard Lukather drop his name. Dude is funny and a legend.

[@odaydrums]

I went there for drums but would try and catch Tommy because he made me laugh and remember what was really important in life : )

[@sysop007]

One huge thing besides his musical talent that made him successful is his personality and humor. Truly a legend in music. One of a kind. RIP

[@v2vroth]

I met Tommy in California once in 1991, he was funny and an incredible cool guy!

[@daleturner]

THE BEST!!!!! So funny and encouraging--and deep as L!!

[@geoffburton822]

His song, at the end, truly is brilliant! Great seminar, great guitar player, great man. Funny, too.

[@MrRea112]

Only a person who’s that good can kid around like Tommy does here. That’s confidence and skill!

[@glennjames7107]

How many of you older guys instantly recognize Tommy's "Latin" sounds as every Spanish music part you've ever heard o T.V. ? Incredible how much his music has influenced American culture isn't it !

[@bobbygoesbig]

Love it. A lot of the same schtick from his Hot Licks video from 1989, which was before the stroke so his playing was in much better form. A true legend of the guitar.

[@mikelliteras397]

It’s amazing he can still play after a stroke. It’s also amazing he lived as long as he did as hard as he lived. He might not be the greatest guitar player ever but he might be the most interesting player and best player no one knows.

[@organicwest]

We've heard enough of his guitar licks over the years, it was fantastic to listen to him. Lots of life lessons.

[@TacticalTupperware]

Awesome! Totally inspiring!!!

[@robertcalva8664]

I was there that night. Seeing this again brings back many fond memories.

[@deanhosken1517]

Me too! There was a 21 year old me laughing so hard in that crowd that night. I still tell some of his lines to my students.

[@jameskerr9509]

I used to read him religiously in Guitar Player

[@lancethrustworthy]

He was one of the greats, and didn't realize it. Mighty sorry he's gone.

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

His stand-up (sit down) routine while playing those killer phrases is worth the price of admission. 😆

[@deja75m]

I bought Mr. TEDEDSCOs book for geetar players in the early 80s..a gem from a wonderful man.

[@bbennettbass]

what a blessing

[@didsomebodysaydmt8193]

The fact this man mentioned EVH says something. R.I.P Ed!!

[@sammyscellojourney3851]

Love this guy Tedesco, l would hire him just so l could laugh through the session.....awesome

[@garychambers5850]

Very Inspiring! Great Guitarist! Must of been awesome to play on so many hit records! He recorded the music and later the singers came in to finish up the record. That's why he doesn't recall which song is which? He played the guitar on the _Batman_ TV show from the 60's, The guitar part on the " _Green Acres_ " TV show, He plays guitar on the TV show " _MASH_ " _The Elvis Presley 1968 Comeback Special_ The " _Bonanza_ " TV show and …. _The Twilight Zone_ just to mention a few! Tommy passed the following year in 1997 from Lung Cancer. He was only 67. Hes now in that big _Rock & Roll Band in Heaven with Glen and Hal_ … 🤗🎸 ⛪✝

[@djffe8597]

I love this! These are great stories and he was the BEST of his time. Hilarious! He's right, we make the music but it's not for us it's for the listeners who don't always (or never) know what's right and what's wrong, only if they like it!

[@JonBlondell]

What a legend. Because he was a Great player, and he Listened!

[@xxcelr8rs]

George Prichert from Milwaukee was known as the other perfect sight reading session guitarist. Taught jazz later years.

[@luvbasses5487]

He was a master at dealing with certain perceptions of the people he had to deal with. It came simple to him. We should all learn from this. Just keep baffling them with bullshit and 9/10 it works! He had the talent to back it up too...

[@bosshoss4322]

Iam a session guy I can relate to tedesco I've said some funny shit at sessions bullshit goes a long way.

[@luvbasses5487]

Yeah....some people are just “easy.”

[@MonkeJosh_o]

Believe it or not, my teacher is the nephew of this guy. I came here after my teacher told the class. My teachers name is Joe Conti

[@easyenetwork2023]

Glen Cambell said he was one of the best. If Glen Cambell thinks you are that good, you are probably great.

[@perrykleez]

really, this guy is great...what a smart musician

[@kencookeguitarist]

Thank you for posting.

[@harveysmidlap]

In 2017, Tommy Tedesco was posthumously inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

[@hummarstraful]

Watched the whole thing. What a character. I love all the KZbin interviews with the A listers from the LA session days. If you haven't, definitely watch some Jay Graydon stuff. He's brilliant and a character, too.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

Love it!!

[@RayLewisPitt]

This brings back memories. I went to MI in '88 and saw him then. Same exact seminar, just about word for word, just like his bolivian guitar music. LOL

[@tonybrophy9615]

I saw him there too around Christmas dressed up in a Santa Clause outfit.....Great Human being....Great Player!!

[@BernieHolland-w4l]

What a great guy - I can say no more than that xxx

[@TheTubesteakZ]

he had such a wonderful honesty about him. That and the hands of a God!

[@Fabsurf101]

Tommy was just incredible and smart

[@mosriteminioncause7741]

The most heard...most unheard of guitar player in the world The Late Great Tommy Tedesco... if you grew up in the 60's or heard a 60's tv theme song with guitar from reruns you maybe heard Tommy Tedesco playing. Guitar Player Magazine said he's the most recorded guitarist in history, he played on thousands of recordings, many of which were top 20 hits.🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@victotronics]

Listening to "Up up and away". So that's him doing those guitar licks? It gives such a free and summery feel to the song. He was definitely amazing.

[@Les537]

The best kind of genius.

[@GuitarlosCarlos]

HE'S AS CRAZY AS I AM STEPS RIGHT THROUGH IT WHILE HE SITS TO PLAY ON HE'S GOT IT DOWN HE LAID IT DOWN ALL OVER TOWN I WISH HE WAS STILL HERE AROUND TOWN...

[@05645ci]

Ahhh, Tommy Tedesco; listen to his flamenco guitar on Gary Lewis & The Playboys Green Grass; a master class in virtuoso playing that frames the song perfectly. RIP, Tommy

[@nodbrite4418]

Tommy just Made my phylo all time favorite list of musical masters lol

[@thaxreston4740]

A stunning human. KnockOut talent and kind and lucky. Wonderful.

[@donnyroxlive]

I'm from his neck of the woods didn't find out about him till the 80s with his articles in GW ... very much wish I could have shook his hand...

[@harrisbeatsfrankou6304]

He was a Teacher of mine at MI.

[@Draxtor]

Goddamn Tommy ❤❤❤ those endings !!!!!!!

[@briandolan631]

Such a beautiful funny man.An American treasure.

[@jjjohny_a5965]

top 3 players ever to pick a 6 string...mr tedesco

[@joefox9765]

This guy is a riot 😅