Donald W. Gunter research material on Tommy Edwards, 1939-2018

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Extent:
6.045 cubic feet and 14 boxes
Creator:
Donald W. Gunter
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Research material, 1939-2018, on Tommy Edwards (1922-1969) of Henrico County, Virginia, collected by Donald W. Gunter in preparation of a biography for the Dictionary of Virginia Biography. Collection includes biographical information on Edwards' life and career as a songwriter and singer; chart information on songs that Edwards wrote or sung; information on and recordings of Edwards' albums and records; power points and related materials for talks and interviews on Edwards by Donald W. Gunter; subject files containing background information relating to Edwards; and records and materials used in an exhibit on Edwards at a celebration of Henrico County's 400th anniversary.

Biographical / historical:

Thomas Jefferson Edwards was born 15 October 1922 in Henrico County, Virginia, to thomas Jefferson Edwards and Buena Vista Edwards. Tommy Edwards attended the Virginia Randolph Training School in Henrico County. At age 17 Edwards had a radio show on WRNL, Richmond, Virginia, singing songs and playing the piano. By 1943, he moved to New York, New York, and became a songwriter. In 1947, Edwards formed the Tommy Edwards Trio, releasing several songs. By 1950, he resumed his solo career, having moderate success. By 1958, his career seemed to have ended, when he re-released his 1951 hit "It's All in the Game." The song spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard charts. Edwards' career soon declined again. Edwards died in Henrico County 23 October 1969, and is buried in the Quioccasin Baptist Church Cemetery.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Donald W. Gunter of Richmond, Virginia.
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged

  • Series I: Biographical Information
  • Series II: Charts
  • Series III: Discography
  • Series IV: Don Gunter Correspondence and Presentations
  • Series V: General Subjects
  • Seres VI: Henrico County 400th Anniversary