Death of a Tubist

Tommy Johnson passed away last week at the age of 71. "Tommy who??!" some may ask and others more rudely "Who the f**k was Tommy Johnson!??" To a large portion of my readership however he was a known commodity....a legendary tuba player who will be sorely missed. Based for much of his career in Los Angeles, Tommy layed down the tuba parts on dozens of movie soundtracks and is responsible for what are perhaps the two most recognizable notes in cinematic history as heard in the theme from Jaws. Tubists and their low brass comrades are by and large a sentimental (at times even maudlin) bunch. In the world of classical music if woodwind players could be characterized as neurotic poodle types the low brass are affable St. Bernards. That being the case I've prepared this memorial tribute with them in mind.