There is soooo much talent here in da Burgh! At one time Pittsburgh was the feeding ground for musical artists. Many got their start here in Pittsburgh before making the big time. Three in particular came from the same neighborhood in Pittsburgh, the Hill District section of the city. George Benson, Chuck Jackson and Tommy Hunt all music Icons in their own right. Today I want to concentrate on one of the three … my old friend Tommy Hunt, whose birthday was yesterday. Tommy grew up in da burgh, moved to Chi-town as a young man, joined the legendary DooWop group the “Flamgingos” and made a singing career as a solo artist. He moved to the UK in 1997and lived in a castle and continued to create Soul masterpieces as part of the Northern Soul scene throughout the UK. In addition to his music career Tommy wrote a book, an autobiography, “Only Human, My Soulful Life” … I have an autographed copy from Tommy of which I cherish. Over the years Tommy took up songwriting to add to his portfolio. Which I’ll get into a bit later … Tommy and I talked on the phone and wrote to each other over the years. I started reading through some of the letters when Tommy passed away on February 12, 2025 and started reminiscing about our friendship. One particular letter was about a tape that Tommy made for me with some songs he wrote and wanted my band (Johnny Angel and the Halos) to record. One of my biggest regrets was never taking him up on his kind offer to record his songs. As I recover from my stroke, one of my bucket list items is getting back in the studio to record them. I remember talking with Tommy about his love for my band and his yearning to perform with Pittsburgh musicians again. I did an interview with Tommy a few years ago and he discussed his feelings about preforming with Pittsburgh musicians and not being a fan of the lack of soulful musicians in the UK. One of these weeks I’ll play the interview again on my weekly radio show on jukinoldies.com. … the “Johnny Angel Heavenly Soul Show”. Tommy had a quick sense of humor … one fond memory of this was at the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame concert … a reporter was talking with Tommy and I and asked us a question … ‘Since your last name is Hunt and Tommy’s last name is Hunt are you related?” Tommy looked at me, put his arm around me and said…”He’s my little Brother from the lighter side of the Family”. Tommy Hint … just another kid form d’Burgh!