Died On This Date (April 28, 1980) Tommy Caldwell / Marshall Tucker Band
Tommy Caldwell
November 9, 1949 – April 28, 1980
Tommy Caldwell was best known as the bassist the Marshall Tucker Band from 1973 until his death in 1980. The charismatic performer was the crowd-pleaser of the band. He also sang backup and wrote some of their songs, including “Melody Ann,” their only song on which he sang lead. His final performance with the band came on the night of April 19, 1980 which was later released as Live On Long Island. Caldwell died just ten days later from injuries he suffered in a jeep accident.
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