Who Is Tommy Bolin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tommy Bolin was born on August 1, 1951, in Sioux City, Iowa, and tragically passed away at the young age of 25 on December 4, 1976. Known for his incredible talent, Bolin made a significant impact on the rock music scene as a guitarist and songwriter. His work spanned several bands, including the legendary Deep Purple and his solo career, which showcased his unique fusion of rock, jazz, and blues. Although he left this world early, his music continues to resonate with fans new and old.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1951 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Sioux City, Iowa, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Tommy Bolin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tommy Bolin stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighed around 160 pounds (73 kg). His athletic build and charismatic stage presence contributed to his image as a rock star in the 1970s. With distinctive features, his long hair and expressive face became iconic in the rock music community.
While the Come Taste the Band album sold moderately well and revitalized Deep Purple for a time, the concert tours had many low points. Audiences expected Bolin to play solos that sounded like Blackmore's, but the guitarists' styles were very different.
Bolin's issues with hard drugs, plus fellow band member Glenn Hughes' cocaine addiction, also led to several below-par concert performances. One such concert in Tokyo came after Bolin had passed out and fell asleep on his left arm for eight hours.
At showtime, he was only able to play simple barre chords, with keyboardist Jon Lord having to play many of the guitar parts on the organ. Unfortunately, this concert was recorded for a live album: Last Concert in Japan. Despite pleas by band members to not release the album, it came out in Japan and found its way into the UK and the US.
A better concert recording by this Deep Purple lineup was made in Long Beach, California in early 1976, and released in 1995 as King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents: Deep Purple in Concert. Deep Purple Mk IV disbanded in July 1976.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Tommy Bolin had a deep connection with his family. He was born to a supportive family; however, specific details about his parental relationships are less documented. During his career, Bolin was known to have relationships, but his most notable partnership was with his girlfriend, who later became his widow, as they were together during his rise to fame. However, due to the personal nature of Rock legends, much of this remains private.
That band included Bolin on lead guitar, David Givens on bass, and Givens' wife Candy Givens on vocals. The band had begun to do larger venues, opening for more established acts such as Led Zeppelin.
Their second album, Going Back to Colorado, featured a new drummer, Bobby Berge, who would pop up from time to time in musician credits in album liner notes from Bolin's later projects. In 1972, the 20-year old Bolin formed the fusion jazz-rock-blues band Energy.
Unable to secure a record contract, the band never released an album during Bolin's lifetime. However, several recordings have been released posthumously. Bolin briefly reunited with David and Candy Givens in a band called the 4-Nikators, after which he took nearly a year off from music. During that time, he wrote close to a hundred songs.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Tommy Bolin's estimated net worth is about $5 million, primarily derived from his music sales, royalties, and posthumous recognition. Despite his brief career, his recordings continue to sell, earning him a stable income even years after his passing. This value reflects his lasting influence on modern music genres and the ongoing interest in his life and work.
Career, Business, and Investments
Tommy Bolin's career began in the late 1960s with the band Zephyr, after which he gained national prominence with Deep Purple. He was known for his innovative guitar playing and songwriting skills, contributing to key albums such as "Burn" and "Come Taste the Band." Bolin released two solo albums, "Teaser" and "Private Eyes," showcasing his versatility and musical innovation. Beyond music, he had a keen interest in various investments, including collaborations with other artists and involvement in music production. His creative genius paved the way for many aspiring musicians.
Thomas Richard Bolin (August 1, 1951 – December 4, 1976) was an American rock guitarist who played with Zephyr (from 1969 to 1971), the James Gang (from 1973 to 1974), Deep Purple (from 1975 to 1976), with Billy Cobham on his first record titled “Spectrum”, in addition to maintaining a career as a solo artist and session musician.
Social Network
Tommy Bolin's legacy lives on through various social media and fan pages dedicated to celebrating his work. His influence can be seen on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where fans share memories, rare footage, and music tributes. Numerous websites and forums also discuss his contributions to rock music. This online community keeps his memory alive, ensuring that new generations learn about his extraordinary talent.
In between the James Gang albums, Bolin played on Mahavishnu Orchestra member Billy Cobham's solo album Spectrum, which included Bolin on guitar, Cobham on drums, Leland Sklar on bass and Jan Hammer (also of Mahavishnu Orchestra) on keyboards and synthesizers. Jon Lord of Deep Purple called Spectrum "an utterly astounding album.
There was Tommy Bolin just shredding away like mad... it was just gorgeous stuff, all improvised, all just off the top of his head."
Education
Details about his formal education are limited, but Tommy Bolin displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age. Growing up in a supportive environment, he explored music and developed skills that led him to become one of rock's most revered guitarists. His innate passion for music often surpassed traditional educational paths, demonstrating that raw talent and dedication can build a remarkable career.
