Nicknamed “Mr. Excitement” by Tonight Show host Johnny Carson, saxophonist, arranger and bandleader Tommy Newsome was born February 25, 1929 in Portsmouth, Virginia. During his career he performed with Benny Goodman, J.J. Johnson, Buck Clayton, Rosemary Clooney and was a member of the NBC Tonight Show Band from 1962 until Carson’s retirement in 1992.

Newsome earned degrees from Old Dominion University, the Peabody Conservatory of Music and Columbia University and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was as well-known within the music industry as an arranger as well as a performer. Newsome arranged for groups as varied as the Tonight Show ensemble and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, as well as for Woody Herman, Kenny Rogers, John Denver, Charlie Byrd and Beverly Sills. In addition, he received two Emmy awards for music direction during his career.

Many people will remember Newsome as the stand-in director of the Tonight Show Band when regular director “Doc” Severinsen was either away or acting as emcee for the program. As such, he was often a foil for Johnny Carson’s humor, with Carson preying on Newsome’s low-keyed, reserved persona. One example that was typical of their interaction One night Carson turned to Newsom during his monologue and asked why he always had his hands clasped together behind his back. Newsom replied “Vapor Lock,” which brought down the house with laughter. Carson quipped, "I'm out here busting my buns to get a laugh, with one joke after another, and you just say 'Vapor Lock' and crack us all up!"

Tommy Newsome passed away in 2007 at the age of 78

Here is a link to Newsome leading a big band and playing tenor saxophone in the year 2000:

"TOMMY NEWSOME"