Thom Hickey one of the blessed 50s baby boomer generation, was born in London into an Irish family and formally educated at catholic schools and Cambridge University. More importantly he was informally educated by the BBC, The Observer, The New Statesman and The New Yorker. His music professors were radio giants Charlie Gillett, John Peel and Emperor Rosko. The print columns of Richard Williams, Ian MacDonald and Tony Russell were religiously read and annotated.
Further intensive study was conducted at the Hammersmith Odeon, the Hope and Anchor, the 100 Club, Ronnie Scott’s and the Rainbow. Many investment portfolios were foresworn in favour of sourcing recorded treasures from the hallowed halls of HMV, Colletts, Tower and Virgin Records and mail order outfits galore.
He has a continuing belief that you can never watch too many Westerns or Ken Burns documentaries, read enough biographies about Samuel Beckett or Buster Keaton and that there is always just one more Bob Dylan bootleg he needs.
To finance his obsessions he has worked in financial recruitment, as a charity campaigner and been a senior investigator into complaints about the NHS. He now lives deep in the Surrey woods with his beautiful wife, graceful daughter and inspirational son.
Copyright issues: All posts, writing, images and information on The Immortal Jukebox are copyrighted to Thom Hickey (unless otherwise stated). No part or parts are to be used and/or duplicated in any medium without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. In other words, please ask my permission first before you borrow from my blog. Thank you.
I usually post once a week so keep checking back!
Follow me on Twitter @thomhickey55
Click the Follow by Email button on the Sidebar and you will never miss a post!
If you have enjoyed a post here do share it with your friends and followers on your social media platforms. Spread the word!
I’m guessing the Surrey Woods are more North Downs than South. I feel an update will be coming along soon?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. Yes, we have moved higher up and closer to the coast. Very pleased with our move. Regards Thom.
LikeLike
Thom,
As it can only be a matter of weeks before you are invited onto Desert Island Discs, could you let us have your eight songs, book and luxury in advance?
Thanks,
Rob
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah .. serious thinking needed there!
LikeLike
Hi Thom, I wasn’t sure where to pose the following question but knew you had either posted or given thought to an old song that I overheard the other day and now won’t leave my head. I did a search on your blog but found nothing on the group Toto and especially the song Africa. Is there any chance I missed it or perhaps it is in the future for a post? I would just love to know who actually wrote that song and its inspiration. It is the type of song that permeates all the layers of the grey matter and into the heart. Thanks, Lea
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. Toto not on my list for the near future. So many songs that mean so much to so many. Thom.
LikeLike
I’ve no doubt and thank you for responding. Basically just making sure I hadn’t missed it. Léa
LikeLiked by 2 people