Tommy Blake (musician)

Tommy Blake (born Thomas Oliver Blake, September 29, 1931 – August 24, 1985) was an American rockabilly musician, best known for his recordings on the Sun Records label in the late 1950s. Born in Minden, Louisiana, Blake began his musical career performing in local venues.

He signed with Sun Records in 1957 and released several singles, including "Flatfoot Sam," "Lordy Hoody," and "Honky Tonk Mind." While he possessed considerable talent and charisma, Blake's recordings never achieved widespread commercial success, despite the popularity of the rockabilly genre at the time. His energetic stage presence and raw musical style, however, earned him a dedicated following within the rockabilly community.

Blake's time at Sun Records was relatively brief. After leaving Sun, he continued to perform and record, although he never replicated the exposure he received during his association with Sam Phillips' legendary label. He worked various jobs outside of music to support himself.

Tommy Blake died in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1985. While not a household name, his recordings for Sun Records have ensured his place in rockabilly history, and his songs are frequently included in compilations of the genre. He is considered a significant, though often overlooked, figure in the early days of rock and roll. His work continues to be appreciated by fans and historians of rockabilly music.