"I'm still standing," says Tom Kimmel, referring to his 30 years in the music world, "and I'm enjoying making music now more than I ever have before."
Tom and his music have certainly seen some changes. Since 1980, when his songs were recorded by The Byrds' Roger McGuinn & Chris Hillman and The Band's Levon Helm, over 60 of his compositions have been recorded by host of major artists including Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker, Johnny Cash, Shawn Colvin, Kathy Mattea, Waylon Jennings, the Stray Cats, Richie Havens and the Spinners.
Once an eclectic rock and roller, Tom found his voice as a singer-songwriter while opening Nanci Griffith's 1991-92 world tour. He began performing as a solo act, stressing a lean, acoustic-centered approach to his music, and bringing a poignant and humorous spirit to his poetry and storytelling. His new album, Shallow Water, is a collection of inspirational songs, featuring Kimmel mainstays One Heart, See Myself In You, and the title song.
Tom's peers and critics agree that his unadorned stylings are uniquely soulful. Irish songstress Maura O'Connell, who has recorded haunting versions of Tom's The Blue Train and Poetic Justice, says, "Tom is an incredible songwriter... And he seems to be getting better as the years go on." Crow Johnson, former ZMN publisher, calls Tom a "singer's singer, writer's writer." And according to The Nashville Scene, "Tom Kimmel's moody textured songwriting reaches into soulful realms that few Music Row pros enter."
Featured in motion pictures such as Runaway Bride, Serendipity, and Twins, and in television shows as varied as Captain Kangaroo, Miami Vice and Touched By An Angel, recordings of Tom's compositions have sold millions of copies around the world, achieving gold and platinum sales in many countries.
An avid whitewater enthusiast, Tom recently completed an 18 day, 226 mile kayaking adventure through the Grand Canyon. He has also paddled in the remote Himalayan kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal, and in the mountains of France, Mexico and Costa Rica.
A graduate of the University of Alabama, he was born in Memphis, raised in rural south Alabama, and is now a 25 year resident of Nashville. Along with his artistic endeavors he is a long time student of Siddha Yoga Meditation and is a Practitioner of Alaya Process, a spirit-centered therapy.
"It all keeps me going," says Tom. "Keeps me growing. As an artist and as a person, so it keeps it all fresh. Isn't that what we're all aiming for?"
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