My greatest influence in the World of Music is without a shadow of a doubt, The Beatles. Never before has any other band done so much for the history and direction of Rock and Roll. Their music is what inspires me to set and conquer new goals every day of my life. Rock and Roll as a whole is simply unimaginable without The Beatles.
If I had to choose a specific Beatle, then I would have to choose John Lennon. If anyone is clueless as to why, then go read the lyrics to any of Lennon's music. If you are still clueless, then go jump in front of a truck.
Other influences include: The Stone Temple Pilots (the premier band of the 90's in my opinion), SoundGarden (specifically Chris Cornell), Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Alice In Chains, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Toto, Ray Charles, KISS (with and without makeup), Alice Cooper, Queen (unreal harmonies not to mention Mr. Mercury himself), Velvet Revolver, The Who, America, Gordon Lightfoot, Van Halen (NOT VAN HAGAR although Sammy DOES sing circle around David), Julian Lennon (never got the break he deserved), SHUT UP AND DRIVE (one of Savannah's most talented local rock bands), Huey Lewis and the News (that's right!! and No, I am not ashamed!!!), The Eagles (excellent harmonies), Boston, David Bowie, Prince, Paul McCartney and Wings, The Four Tops, The Temptations (great harmonies), The Doobie Brothers (with and without Michael McDonald), there are more but I would waste an entire day naming them.....you get the picture.
Sounds Like
I sound like me, Thomas Claxton!........ isn't that the way it should be?
Thomas' cd, Middle of Nowhere, is available for sale at select locations and at all of his solo performances. After tons of support and encouragement from his fans, the cd that everyone had been asking about is now complete and ready for every critic to shred to pieces! There are 11 songs on the cd. 10 are completely original, and to show his respect to the greatest songwriter to ever live, Thomas covered a version of Working Class Hero by John Lennon as the last song. Get your copy while you can! Now.... a little about Thomas Claxton............
Thomas is a professional vocalist/musician from Savannah, GA. He was born in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, but was adopted when he was 2 days old and has lived in Savannah ever since. Thomas is married and considers himself blessed to have the most amazing wife God could have ever sent him, Giovanna. They were married June 28, 2008 in Savannah, GA. She, along with Thomas' parents and other family have always been supportive with his chosen paths in life.
Music has always been the passion of Thomas' life. Throughout school he studied fine arts, starting in the 4th grade and continuing through his highschool graduation in 2002. Thomas gives due credit to Dr. Lauren Ringwall, and Mr. Jack Mullis for his knowledge and proper respect that music requires from us all. To this day Thomas is still the only graduate from South Effingham High School to earn a Fine Arts Seal with Distinction on his diploma. His background also includes several college courses in which he excelled in Music Theory.
At the age of 17, Thomas began performing at Savannah Joe's Coffee Shop in the Savannah Mall with only his voice and an acoustic guitar. He played there for nearly 2 years working on his craft and making only tip money before he went searching for more exposure in Savannah. From there Thomas found the Bayou Cafe', his first ever paying gig in the area. Since then, Thomas has played in over 50 live music venues in Savannah. Over the past few years, he has been fortunate to have become one of the more popular solo acoustic artists in the Coastal Empire. In the recent past, Thomas has taken more of an, "In-Your-Face" approach to his solo performances. While at one time he chose to walk the, "James Taylor / Jim Croce' / Gordon Lightfoot" path, (which he continues to walk once in awhile), he now enjoys proving to everyone YOU CAN STILL ROCK WITH ONLY ONE DAMN GUITAR! Sure, some criticism followed, but so did a ton of support from his fans. People often view it as a welcomed change. Thomas enjoys playing his original music more than any cover music, but if a club insists on cover music, Thomas is the musician who will give you Rush, Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Stone Temple Pilots, Live, REO Speedwagon, or best of all.... The Beatles. Lets be honest, you can only take so much Sweet Home Alabama.
Thomas has been extremely fortunate and priviledged to play with some of the top musicians, the world has ever known. He was involved in a successful duo with a local Savannah musician named,Buddy Corns, called, The Dynamic Duo. They were the duo you went to hear if you wanted anything BUT Jimmy Buffet!!
Thomas feels his greatest honor thus far has definitely been being a part of a band called, THE LONG AWAITED. Thomas (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), along with his best friend Mark Vaquer (drums / vocals), Jon Schwalls (bass) and Steve Main(lead guitar, vocals) make up this group of Savannah's elite.
The most amazing experience of Thomas' exciting career so far was being a member of Flashback: The Classic Rock Experience. Flashback is a touring national arena rock extravaganza. Thomas was the only musician from Savannah, GA to take part in this huge concert. While on the road, he had the opportunity to meet some incredible, world renowned talent. Some of the people Thomas had the chance to perform with were:
Chuck Negron , (the original lead vocalist for Three Dog Night. Chuck is the famous voice behind a huge list of their music including, Joy To the World.... come on, you know it..." Jeremiah was a bullfrog!!!!"
Rev. Dave Boroff , (out of this world Saxaphone player. Dave has played sax on some of the most amazing albums from talent like, Madonna and Chicago, just to name a couple.)
Woody Woodruff , (unbelieveable genious of sound. Woody has won several grammy awards for his uncanny abilities as a sound engineer. Our first review said, "... one of the first things I noticed about this show was the clarity of the sound." )
Chuck Wright , (outstanding bass guitarist who played for such rock greats as Alice Cooper and Quiet Riot.)
Eric Frampton , (phenomenal keyboardist for the B-52's.)
Phil Hilborne , (one of the most incredible guitarists I have ever heard. Phil has performed extensively with the hit Queen musical, We Will Rock You.)
Jamie Humphries , (one of a kind guitarist for the Aussie Pink Floyd.)
Shaun Williamson , (great vocalist, Shaun was lead vocalist for the Atlanta Rhythm Section in the late 80s.)
Elizabeth Eagan , (excellent vocalist who toured with The Cure.)
Katrina Chester , (breath taking vocalist for the off-broadway tribute to Janis Joplin, "Love Janis".)
Nicko McBrain , (the amazing drummer for Iron Maiden.)
There are so many to list, everyone was absolutely incredible. Every member of the orchestra were A+ musicians such as concert master, Terry Glenny, Karen Elaine and many more. Thomas will undoubtably never forget this incredible experience.
Thomas has had the priviledge of playing shows all around the country. In June of 2006, he traveled to New York City and played a month of weekly shows in Manhattan before coming back to Savannah in July. Future trips to New York, Los Angeles, and Boston are being planned for the upcoming year.
Thomas Claxton feels that every fan is a blessing because without the fans, musicians have nothing. His original music is written and recorded constantly for his career and his fans are a huge inspiration.
Thank You All for your support. Feel free to drop Thomas a comment, he is an open minded artist who is always open to constructive criticism.
Cool video a fan of the Flashback Tour posted on YouTube. Great song, that's Thomas singing the intro to the song and screaming at the very end! This tour was an amazing experience, a real eye opener. Hopefully we have not seen the last of Flashback. "IF YOU DON'T EAT YOUR MEAT.... YOU CAN'T HAVE ANY PUDDING!!! HOW CAN YOU HAVE ANY PUDDING IF YOU DON'T EAT YOUR MEAT?!!???!!!"
Hey, thanks for the Floyd trilogy!....Enjoyed the music, I don't get to sit & listen cause I drive too far home....I won a hotel room downtown so I was able to party :)...Who's playing St. Patty's day?
Hello friend. Thanks for another great show. We seriously have a blast coming out. Maybe next time I can buy you a tea(?). Whatever's in that pitcher. I did notice you're the only one not drinking or smoking. Much props there. Anyway, thanks again.... and your wife is beautiful!
We just realized that only about 1/4 of your wedding photos were uploaded to the online lab. But there are all on there now. So here is the link again. http://orderpicture.com/index.php3?client=ima_6365448&event=Claxton_Wedding
Happy Birthday!!! I hope your having a great day! I had a great time seeing ya Friday night. I hope to come out and see ya again soon. Take care cuz... :)
Hey Bro. 25 wow, one day you wont be able to remember 25 either lol. your catching up to me. Have a GREAT DAY, Relax and ENJOY, ITS YOUR DAY. Be Safe, Have Fun ken (biff jr) lol
lol...Happy Early Birthday! Tell your beautiful wife i said hello! Hope all is well. Sorry i didn't stay long last night at the bayou. I had to get on the road and go to Vidalia. Ya sounded great though!
Well I thought I would say happy birthday today because i wont be able to get on tomorrow....so happy birthday! I hope its a great day. how have you been?
