Hall & Oates Bassist Tom 'T-Bone' Wolk Dies

By PopEater Staff Posted Mar 2nd 2010 06:26AM

Tom 'T-Bone' Wolk, the man who thumped away at the bass for Daryl Hall and John Oates for years, has passed away at the age of 58. According to Hall & Oates' manager, Wolk suffered what's believed to be a heart attack on Sunday night, hours after wrapping up a studio session with Hall.

A working musician to the bone, Wolk had a vast career not just with Hall & Oates, but across the music spectrum. His recording credits include everyone from Bette Midler to Billy Joel to younger artists like Avril Lavigne. He also played on several recordings by Elvis Costello.

"Daryl used to refer to him as the ampersand in Hall & Oates," said manager Jonathan Wolfson. In a statement, a heartbroken Hall said, "It's not if I will go on, but how." He went on to say, "T-Bone was one of the most sensitive and good human beings that I have ever known."

In recent years, Wolk's title changed in the Hall & Oates camp from plain old bassist to music director.

From 1986 to 1992, he also served as the bass player for the 'Saturday Night Live' house band, during the days when G.E. Smith led the group.

Wolk was set to appear alongside Hall & Oates on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon' on Monday night before his passing.

Wolk joked on his Web site that he was "that guy with the hat" at Hall & Oates concerts.

Tags: hall oates

Comments

(8)

Tuesday 02 March

By JEFF RUDRUD

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Very sad to hear of the passing of T-Bone. I had the pleasure of meeting him and the rest of Hall and Oats back in the 90s. A producer friend and i went out to dinner with T-Bone before a show in Phx,Az. He was a very funny guy and a great player. I always took notice of all the people he played with over the years. You will be missed ROCK ON

Saturday 01 May

By Marlene Giusti

I was very sad to hear of toms death, I used to work in a bank, and tom was my customer. Tom was one of the most talented and sweetest persons I have ever met. I had moved and lost touch with him because at that time he moved to Canada. I always wondered how he was doing, and discovered Daryl's House. I enjoyed seeing photos of him, and listening to his music. I had also seen him in concert. He will always be in my heart, and will be missed.

By Tony King

God Bless T-Bone Wolk!! He will forever be one of my greatest inspirations as a bassist.

By lori

OH NO!!! I love T-Bone. Check out Live from Daryl's house. They have the best music... God bless his family and friends. I am soooo sorry.

Thursday 04 March

By Mike Peterson

Hey, that is my video up there. It was a pleasure to watch T-Bone and the rest of Hall and Oates this past Summer in Nebraska. I was pleasantly surprised at how good they still sound. T-Bone did an amazing job and was a true musician.

Saturday 06 March

By Arlene Reinhart Johnson

I absolutely love Live From Daryl's House and I can tell you T-Bone will be missed immensely. He never ceased to amaze me with his musical talents. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hall and Oates band, T-Bone's family and friends.

Tuesday 09 March

By PAMELA HURD

THE HALL AND OATES BAND WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT T-BONE. HE WILL BE MISSED. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS PRIVATE AS WELL AS HIS MUSICAL FAMILIES.
REST IN PEACE.............

Friday 12 March

By george

I was shocked to hear the news. It didn't register to start. What a great pity. Being the same age you feel very mortal when talent that has no equal the likes of this man is taken from us. Rest in peace T Bone.

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