Tom Willis
Despite a busy schedule that includes leading his own band at jazz and blues festivals, Tom has found time to sing with Ted ever since the two met in 1998.
He says he enjoys the variety, from Ted's 19-piece big band for a wedding in Tampa to his trio at a restaurant in West Palm Beach.
Memorable dates include the annual yacht club ball at Boca Grande and Ted's own daughter's wedding at Bal Harbour in Miami Beach.
At
right, he digs the sound of Ted's orchestra at First Night, an outdoor
New Year's Eve concert and dance at Old School Square in Delray Beach.
At 38 degrees it was frigid for South Florida, but Tom sounded great on
Jump, Jive and Wail and My Girl. Click image to
enlarge.
In Tampa he shared lead vocal honors with Evelyn Russell and Kenny Seabrook. Tom and Kenny were Sam and Dave for Soul Man, and all three chimed in on Motown numbers like Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
When Tom did What a Wonderful World at the end of a wedding in Bonita Springs, romance filled the dance floor. A daddy perched his son on his shoulders to let him see Tom sing, as couples swayed together in the darkened room. It was a wonderful way to end a lovely affair.
Here are some samples of Tom Willis with the Ted Knight Orchestra.
- All Right, Okay, You Win blues
- Summer Wind Frank Sinatra
- Jump, Jive and Wail Louis Prima
- Every Day I Have the Blues blues
- Got My Mojo Workin' blues
- Always and Forever Luther Vandross