December 18, 1944 – August 9, 2025

Tom Graham passed away on August 9, 2025 after a short bout with cancer. He was an extremely energetic and active 80 years old.

Tom was not only an expert musician, but was also a good friend who introduced me to both Songmakers and The Santa Monica Traditional Folk Music Club in 2012. 

He enjoyed bluegrass music as well as folk music by the  Kingston Trio. He even went on a Kingston Trio cruise where he not only met John Stewart and Bob Shane, but was sitting next to Shane when he picked up someone’s guitar and sang Scotch & Soda.

Tom was proficient on banjo and mandolin as well as guitar and would always be available to freely share his knowledge with others if they had questions. He was also a long time judge at the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest.

Tom was a centerpiece at almost every jam or song circle that I have hosted and was incredible as he would sing along with others as well as expertly back up others’ singing and playing.

Tom’s career outside of music was as an agent for the FBI and was stationed in LA for much of that career.

I’m sure that Tom will be missed by all those who knew him.

Chuck Behrman