Back Home Again

Here's the Rest of the Story:

As a child, Christmastime in the Becker household included the usual holiday festivities:  trimming the tree, exchanging of gifts and the singing of Christmas carols.  But one special holiday tradition in the Becker family was going to shape young Tom’s destiny. 

Tom remembers, “My dad was a big fan on the New Christy Minstrels, and each Christmas, my dad would pull out their Christmas album, and the whole family would come together and sing along.  I never would have dreamed that one day I would become a member of this legendary group.” 

The music influenced Tom to pick up the guitar, and very soon after, he discovered the music of John Denver. 

“His voice, his guitar playing, his songwriting.  John Denver was the tri-fecta in this genre of music.  I listened to John Denver songs over and over, trying to capture every nuance.  He was my teacher, my mentor, and my inspiration as I began my musical journey.” 

In 1979, The New Christy Minstrels played a concert in Wheaton, Illinois, and Tom’s dad got tickets, but that’s not all. 

“My dad did some research and discovered that the Christy’s were auditioning a replacement for one of the members who was leaving the band.  Without my knowing, he set up an audition.  It was the best thing that could have happened, because if I had known ahead of time, I probably would have been too nervous to go through with it,” Tom remembers. 

The rest, as they say, is history.  Tom passed the audition, and soon became a member of the New Christy Minstrels, traveling the world, sharpening his skills, and learning some valuable lessons about the music business. 

After several years with “The Christys”, Tom decided to strike out on his own and headed to Nashville to sharpen his songwriting skills and pursue a career as a solo artist. 

Although a major record deal was not in the cards, Tom became well known in songwriter circles and as an entertainer.  His career has included appearances with many of the industry’s biggest artists, including, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gregg Allman, and Ray Charles.   

While in Nashville, he met a songwriter who would change his life, his wife Michelle.   Tom & Michelle met as songwriters in Nashville, and have been making beautiful music together ever since!

Michelle Becker is 7-time TRMA Female Vocalist of the Year.  Her performance in "Back Home Again" is just a small part of her diverse musical career. She's appeared with Brenda Lee, The Coasters The Drifters, The Platters, Lee Greenwood and Loretta Lynn.

In 1996, they decided to combine forces, and began touring the country in concerts celebrating their musical heroes.

They have performed in 40 states, Europe and the Caribbean.

They are 5-time TRMA Duo of the Year.

When not on the road, they enjoy the laid-back lifestyle in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.