Tommy Roxx – The Man, The Myth, The Musician – and More!
Anytime that I get to talk with a musician that has talent, style, and substance, I jump at that opportunity. But, when you talk with a musician that is also a family and businessman who loves the Lord and spreads His glory, then it’s an altogether added bonus for me!
Tommy and I spent a nice afternoon talking about those aforementioned attributes. Since I’m all about the music, I needed to start our conversation about his band, Nuthin’ Fancy, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. “We chose the name of their 3rd album for the band name. We do a little over a 2-hour concert that Lynyrd Skynyrd did in 1976-1977. There are 10 people in this band; I’m the lead singer, then we have three lead guitar players, keyboards, drummer, bass, and three female backup singers including my youngest daughter, Allie.”
“If someone is looking for a particular color or style of flooring, I bring my 17′ box truck to their home and we are able to pull out samples of flooring – of every kind – and see what works in terms of color, style, texture, etc. in their home or business.”
In addition to Nuthin’ Fancy, Tommy also has another band called, The Tommy Roxx Band, where there are six people in the band. “The difference is we don’t have the three backup singers and the third guitar player. We are a general southern rock band and half of our set is Lynyrd Skynyrd since that music is such a central part of who we are.” They play songs from the Allman Brothers, Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, and a number of other mind-blowing southern rock bands.
So, who is TOMMY ROXX? “I always wanted to get into music when I was a teenager. But at 19 I had sex for the first time and became a dad. I was raised to do the right thing, so my dreams of starting a band had to go on the back shelf in the basement and lock the door.” Once his baby was born, Tommy found a job installing carpeting.
Once karaoke hit the streets, Tommy would go out with friends and sing at karaoke bars. “So many people came up to me and asked me if I was in a band. I would tell them no. Over time, I was encouraged to start a band. So I did!”
From Virginia, Tommy moved to Florida in 2003. “Within a year of being in Florida, I got a band together and was playing around town in different bars. We just kept getting better every year! I worked hard practicing and promoting, watching videos of Ronnie Van Zant of his singing and style – and just kept at it. Most of everything I have done in music has been in the last 15 years.”
Tommy also writes his own songs and released his debut album “Freedom Isn’t Free” in 2013. When it comes to his faith, Tommy stands tall and proud when it comes to the Lord. “I was very active when I was a young boy, going to church every Sunday and bible study. But when I got into my teens, I wandered away from my faith. At 23, I was approached by a couple that drove home the ‘relationship’ point of my faith. I knew I had been ignoring God for years. I gave up the drugs, cigarettes, and drinking in 1985 and I rededicated my life to the Lord. In 1990, I went to a mission conference and heard the call to preach. In 1992 I preached my first sermon at a homeless ministry in Washington, DC and started preaching to bikers in 1993. In 1996, I became an ordained minister. I did the biker bible study for 25 years. I recently stopped the biker bible study because I needed a break. The bands are doing great, my flooring company is extremely stressful, kids, grandkids, my home, and wife, etc. I was also the local and National President of the Prodigal Sons Motorcycle Club. Something had to give. I really felt that the Lord was blessing the bands and I needed to step back and let others step in.”
When it comes to his “other” work, Tommy owns and operates Douthat Flooring (DoThat Flooring!). He’s been in this business for 38 years! This is a shop-at-home business where he brings the flooring store to you! It’s a flooring store that makes house calls. “If someone is looking for a particular color or style of flooring, I bring my 17’ box truck to their home and together, we are able to pull out samples of flooring – of every kind – and see what works well in terms of color, style, texture, etc. in their home or business.” Once the customer finds what they want, then Tommy sets up a time for his crews to go out and complete the job.
Last thoughts, Tommy? “I’m Tommy and I’m a Christian. My faith is who I am in each category: Rocker, Biker, Family Man, Business Owner, etc. A true relationship with Christ becomes a part of who you are in any and every aspect of your life. Keep the faith, but not to yourself.” Thank you, Tommy, for sharing your impressive story with the readers of Born To Ride magazine!
Written by Susan Hurst
