Several weeks ago we asked you to send us your questions for an exclusive MJFC interview with guitarist and recording artist Tommy “O” Organ. Since Tommy was touring with The Jacksons on their worldwide Unity Tour 2012-2013 as lead guitarist all over the planet he was very busy but finally we were able to carry out the interview.
As you surely remember Tommy “O” was hired as a guitarist for the ‘This Is It’ tour and he appeared in the “This Is It” movie where he was featured in the rehearsal footage. And during his career Tommy has worked with many other top performers, including Janet, Jackson, Usher, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Lionel Richie, Toni Braxton, TLC, and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
MJFC: Tommy, thank you very much for this interview and for agreeing to answer questions from Michael’s fans. Before we get to their questions, can you please tell us a little bit about your background first? You started playing guitar at the age of 5, right?
Tommy: Yes, I started actually playing songs at age 5 but I picked up my deceased father’s guitar at age 3. My mom encouraged me to continue to play telling me “You sound good, Tommy”!
MJFC: How did you become a professional lead and rhythm guitarist?
Tommy: My grandfather told me to learn to play all kinds of music and said if it sounds good play it. My uncles listened to Santana and Gino Vanelli. My Grandfather listened to country. They are and actually my family is musically inclined. My professionalism comes through God in the name of Jesus Christ. Longevity and playing different genres make your lifespan in music last longer.
MJFC: Who were your early musical influences and idols?
Tommy: My early influences and idols were Gino Vanelli, Stanley Clarke, Al Demiola, Raymond Gomez, B. B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Neil Shine (Journey), Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen), KISS, Styx, Jimi Hendrix, Listen to all musicians and you can glean something from each one. (Even if it really isn’t your forte). Listen to the legends, each has a special sound and know who they are. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t play like someone you admire. You have to know who you are and what you want to be.
MJFC: How would you describe your personal style in music?
Tommy: From learning different genres of music I learned to find who I am and I came to find me through different artists and fusing a few notes from each one. You have to learn from legendary guitar players. I like to describe my personal style as a funky mix of rock and roll and blues. When I play, people have said to me “You’re bad” and I say “I’m okay“ and they say “you’re better than okay” and I say “I know!”. The audiences tell me “I felt like you were trying to tell me something”.
What they (and you) hear is my soul singing out and what you feel is the beat of my heart. It’s all me, even if I’m playing someone else’s music, you’re getting true Tommy O.
MJFC: You are on a worldwide tour with The Jacksons. What are your plans for the future?
Tommy: I am working on my own solo project which is a rock and roll compilation. I’ve finally realized being with a legend like MJ I finally believe in myself that I’m on my way to doing Tommy O. Look forward to it, I hope I can satisfy everyone’s heart and soul.
Yes, it’s an honor to play with the legendary Jackson 5, I still call them the Jackson 5! My future plans include continuing the tour with them in Europe through April and then other parts of the globe the rest of the year.
Come check us out, you won’t be disappointed. The complete tour schedule can be found at www.facebook.com/TommyOrganFanPage.
Sandra: Did Michael direct you on your playing?
Tommy: Never. He always liked the way I played and I was honored for that.
Claudia: Did MJ want the classic sound or wanted some innovations from the band members in terms of interpretation of the songs?
READ MORE ON MJFC: http://www.mjfanclub.net/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5927:exclusive-mjfc-interview-with-tommy-qoq&catid=85:latest-news&Itemid=82
Source: MJFC / MJ-Upbeat.com
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