Tommy Bolin was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who gained fame for his work with various bands and musicians in the 1970s. He was born on August 1, 1951, in Sioux City, Iowa, and raised in the town of Sioux City, Nebraska. Bolin started playing guitar at a young age and quickly became proficient in a variety of styles, including rock, jazz, and blues.

Bolin's career started in the late 1960s with a band called Zephyr, where he played guitar and provided some vocals. He gained national attention in the early 1970s when he joined the James Gang, a popular rock band at the time, and played on their albums "Bang" and "Miami." Bolin's unique guitar playing style, which combined elements of rock, blues, and jazz, helped to make him stand out as a musician.

After leaving the James Gang in 1974, Bolin formed his own band and released several solo albums. His most famous album was "Teaser," released in 1975, which showcased his guitar skills and songwriting abilities. Bolin's music during this time was a mix of rock, funk, and jazz, and he often collaborated with other musicians, including keyboardist Jan Hammer and drummer Billy Cobham.

Unfortunately, Bolin's career was cut short when he died of a drug overdose in 1976, at the age of 25. Despite his short career, Bolin's influence on guitar playing and music, in general, has been significant, and he remains a respected figure in the world of rock and roll.

Born Thomas Richard Bolin, Sioux City, Iowa; died December 4, 1976, Miami, Florida. -GSH

• Tommy Bolin - guitar/vocals
• Bobby Berge - drums
• Others...

1. "Energy Radio Broadcast" (box set) (1999)

Album:

1. "Spectrum" (1973) [Ref: Tekmarkg]

Albums:

1. "Teaser" (1975)
2. "Private Eyes" (1976)
3. "Live at the Northern Lights Recording Studio, September 22, 1976" (1997)

1. "The Ultimate Tommy Bolin" (2-CDs) (1989)
2. "From the Archives, Vol. 1" (1996)
3. "Vol. 1 - Bottom Shelf" (1997)
4. "From the Archives, Vol. 2" (1998)
5. "Live at Ebbets Field - June 3 & 4, 1974" (1999) (Tommy Bolin & Friends)
6. "Come Taste the Man" (1999)

• The Official Tommy Bolin Archives
• A Tribute to Tommy Bolin