Written by Associated Press on May 7, 2021
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) Tommy West, a music producer, singer and songwriter who played a role in the short-lived career of musician Jim Croce, died of complications associated with Parkinson’s disease, his family said. He was 78.
West died Sunday in hospice care.
Born Thomas Picardo Jr. in Jersey City, New Jersey, he developed his musical talents after his family moved to Neptune, according to his friend Mike Ragogna.
“His musical career began in 1958 as co-founder of the doo-wop group, The Criterions, with childhood friend and future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hause,” Ragogna said.
Tommy West, Producer for Jim Croce, Dead at 78
Tommy West, a music producer, songwriter and recording artist, best known for his work alongside Jim Croce, has died at the age of 78.
In confirming his passing, West’s family noted that the music veteran’s death was the result of complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Jersey City, N.J., West began his musical career in 1958 as co-founder of the Criterions, a doo-wop group which also featured future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hauser.
Three years later, while attending Villanova University, West recruited Croce for his latest group, a folk band called the Villanova Spires. It would be the first of several notable collaborations for the two musicians.
May 04, 2021 - 5:47 AM
Tommy West, a music producer, singer and songwriter who played a role in the short-lived career of musician Jim Croce, died of complications associated with Parkinson s disease, his family said. He was 78.
West died Sunday in hospice care.
Born Thomas Picardo Jr. in Jersey City, New Jersey, he developed his musical talents after his family moved to Neptune, according to his friend Mike Ragogna.
âHis musical career began in 1958 as co-founder of the doo-wop group, The Criterions, with childhood friend and future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hause,â Ragogna said.
West had met Croce while both were students at Villanova University in 1961.