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Tom Powers Obituary
66, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on August 30, 2014. Virtuoso pianist and singer-songwriter Tom Powers, entertained in the Phoenix area at resorts, clubs and lounges for 30 years, died peacefully August 30th, 2014. Before moving to Phoenix in 1985 with his new bride, Joann, Tom's band, "The Tom Powers Group", played to packed listening rooms for 20 years in the Detroit area. One of the cuts from his first album, "Love & Learn", hit the Billboard 100 charts. And 'Rise & Shine' was played for years on WNIC radio. In Phoenix 2002, he released his 2nd CD "Open Window". www.tompowersmusic.com Tom is survived by his true love, wife Joann of Phoenix AZ, and sister Marcie Powers Van Lokeren of Northern California. A Life Celebration for Tom Powers will be held Sunday, September 28 from 3-6 p.m. at Hooper's Bar & Grill, 5114 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Little Kids Rock, a non-profit that provides musical instruments to underprivileged children. http://www.littlekidsrock.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Powers
Bob West
December 3, 2025
I'm at Town powers once at a buddy's Pizza on 8 Mile Road in Detroit back in the 70s he was playing with small band Three Guys. I don't know when I bought his album I don't know if he had it at the bar or if I found it later at the record store. I still have it and I still love them all the songs but the one that I can't find on the web is the one called Willie. I'm thinking of recording it on my computer and posting it on YouTube but I don't know if that's legal it would be great to hear it again. Sorry to hear that he died so young.
Robert Blood
February 17, 2025
I just discovered that Tom passed away back in 2014. I´m so sorry to hear that. We followed Tom in the Detroit area back in the early 70s. He played several small venues around Keego Harbor and Waterford. The two I remember most are the Back Seat Saloon and the Inn Between. Both were operated by a guy named John Axford. Both venues are long gone and missed. I remember Tom as being a great entertainer and pianist. We loved his music. Tom will be missed, just as that wonderful era in music is missed.
Doug Radford
October 11, 2024
I used to see Tom at the Inn between also in the early 70's. Willie along with Summer Breez were big hits with the crowd.
Terry
December 4, 2022
Used to listen to Tom at the Inn Between in Pontiac Michigan in the 1970s. Magical. I remember his bass player playing chords on his bass.
Although I didn´t know them then, two of my current bandmates used to catch Tom Powers at the Inn Between, too.
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Willy
August 23, 2020
I have an amazing story about Tom. If you would like to hear it, please contact me at "[email protected]".
Rise and Shine! Until we meet again...Tom
September 29, 2014
A beautiful Celebration of Tom's Life yesterday!
September 29, 2014
adell jones
September 29, 2014
May u rest in Peace
Linda Duprest
September 29, 2014
Tom, Music Angel, You always brought us your spirit through music, laughter, love and wonderful times. You are so loved and missed. What a gift you gave to all of us through your music and the love you and Joann share. Like a true shining light, your spirit is with us. Peace and Love.
Danny Borgers
September 28, 2014
Tom,
Thanks for your friendship over the decades and the beautiful gift of music and love you left behind on Earth. Looking forward to seeing you again, buddy,
Ted Reuther
September 21, 2014
Tom was an extremely gifted musician, composer and dear friend. Rest In Peace my friend. The music you left for this world to enjoy will always be with us, along with your memory in the people that were lucky enough to be your friend.
September 18, 2014
Dear Joann ~ My friends and I usually saw Tom and his group at least once a week, wherever he was playing ~ the Inn Between, the Pepper Mill, Tender Trap, Archibald's, and many more. Tom and I were good buddies in the mid 1970's; we we went to many concerts together. Tom was a lot of fun! He was one of a kind, and he will certainly be missed by all who knew him. God Bless You.
Susan Bayer Pender, Algonac, MI
Dion Romero
September 17, 2014
Tom,
Thanks for all the music and your sense of humor. You and The Powers band got me back into watching live bands again. May God be with you, rest in peace. You will be greatly missed.
Vicki Zimmerman
September 15, 2014
Your song and beautiful music has and will be missed! I know you are enjoying all the beautiful music in heaven and adding your tunes to those sounds! God be with you Joanne during this time! God give you peace and comfort! Love you!
Susan P
September 15, 2014
Joann, It has been a pleasure getting to know you and Tom over the past 5 years. I have such fond memories of Tom and his passion for the piano and the gifts he brought to you and the band. Thank you for sharing your lives with us!
Tom Powers, thank you for the beautiful memories
Pam Speers
September 15, 2014
Pam Speers
September 15, 2014
Tom, I will never forget you! What a nice person and great talent you were. Thank you for all the fantastic music and wonderful entertainment!
Tom playing with the J Powers '11 at Roadrunner Saloon
Evelyn Lawson
September 15, 2014
Tom Powers will be greatly missed. I loved hearing him sing and play his magical keyboard with the J Powers Band the past 4 years. Joann, may your heart be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as we celebrate a life well lived.
Nancy Sehi
September 15, 2014
It was indeed an honor to have been in your audience while your years in Detroit. My mother introduced your music into my life, and I thought it was going to be lame...I was 16 at the time! Rest In Peace
Marie Frank
September 14, 2014
Hi Joann,
My husband and I went to The Tender Trap in Detroit every weekend to hear Tom and his band. They were fantastic. We are so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. A true artist taken too soon.
Judi Roberts
September 14, 2014
Joann,
Tom and I were good friends when he lived in Michigan. I loved his music and found him to be a humble and gentle soul. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God hold him in the palm of his hand.
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