About

Thomas Aaron Garlow

Music, Laughter, Travel, Friends

 

An award winning, national recording artist and a baby boomer, born in the hills of West Virginia, Thomas now lives in the foothills of western North Carolina. He has been playing music since he was twelve after listening to his brother’s new Chet Atkins record.

During his adolescence, he worked his summers on farms in eastern North Carolina where he spent many steamy afternoons drinking corn liquor (illegally) and playing the Delta and Piedmont blues with his tenant farmer coworkers.

Thomas began songwriting, seriously, when hired by a major record label in Nashville in 1970. He also worked as a session musician and backup musician and singer for several bands and solo artists over the years.

During the late 60’s and early 70’s, Thomas was part of the emerging folk scene and performed all over the east coast and beyond, opening for artists such as Gordon Lightfoot, Ian and Sylvia, Phil Ochs and more.

He released his first Album in 2015, and released his second, “Waterfalls” in April 2020. Thomas has been recently joined again by his long time bass player, Skip Almond, a collaboration that has spanned over 40 years.

Acclaimed for his mastery of the guitar, his style has been described as smooth and powerful. He has been heavily influenced by his Appalachian roots and his experiences on the rural farms of eastern North Carolina. His seasoned vocals and home-spun storytelling bring a subtle but “straight to the heart” strength and intimacy to his performances.

 

 

2006 – 2018	Played on Merlefest Songwriters’ Stage
2015	Awarded “Summit Songwriter of the Year”
2017	Honorable Mention Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Contest
2018	Awarded Innovative Artist Grant by United Arts Council of Catawba County, NC
2020	New Album “Waterfalls” and its title song “Waterfalls” topped #12 on the Folk DJ Charts.