TOMMY OVERSTREET
Tommy began his music career at the age of 13 when his parents purchased him a harmony guitar. His early musical influence was his cousin, gene austin, who became a nationally known singer. From 1920-1929 gene austin was #3 in the “top 40 artists by decade” behind paul whiteman and al jolson. When tommy was only 14 he replaced tommy sands on an early morning show in Houston as a combination singer/personality. He later appeared, as a performer, on slim willet shows in abilene in addition to keeping up with his school work. After forming a band he played air bases, clubs and shows around the abilene area. In 1956 he attended texas university studying radio/tv production. In 1957 he toured with gene austin and in the 60’s he managed the dot records nashville office. In 1969 he had his first charted country record “rocking a memory” reaching #73. The following year another release that reached #56. then from 1973 to 1979 he had a string of 24 top 40 country hits with 11 making the top 10.
