Tom Bernett - Drums/Vocals
After a childhood that included a dozen years as a drum and bugle corps rat, learning the fine art of precision rudimental drumming, Tom started playing professionally in 1968 in northwestern Indiana. Since then, his experience has included: USO shows; 10 years "on the road" with lounge shows; 3 years of celebrity theater, dinner theater, and studio work in Chicago; and more then 20 years of club dates, corporate events, and studio work in the Minneapolis area.In addition to playing drums, Tom started singing in church choir at a very early age. Voice lessons followed and he began combining the jobs of singing and drumming during his first road band tour after leaving the Navy in 1971.
In the mid 70s, he studied applied percussion at Eastern Kentucky University under Dr. Donald Cooper, who was best known as Charlie Barnett's drummer during the late 50s. He relocated to North Carolina in 2002, and now lives on a golf course in Southern Pines.
Over the years he has played backup to: Steve Allen, Tiny Tim, Julius LaRosa, Steve and Edie, Jack Jones, Terry Gibbs, Art Lund, David Allyn, the Lettermen, the Spinners, the Temptations, Rodney Dangerfield, Redd Foxx, Phyllis Diller, Bill Cosby, Rich Matteson, Ray Papai's Nirva Nova Orchestra, Bozo the Clown, Emmett Kelly Jr. Circus Show, the Cat's Pajamas, Fred Steele, Connie Foote, Duke Kane & Company, Skip DeVol, Paul Lennon, and a whole bunch of others that he's forgotten.
Tom believes that good music and good musicians are only half of the requirements for a good band. He also thinks that paying attention to the audience, understanding what they like, and helping them have fun are equally important --- he works hard to make that happen at every event where Swing Street performs.
SWING STREET...
Central Carolina's Premier
9-Piece Swing Band
Central Carolina's Premier
9-Piece Swing Band