Tom Terrell (1950-2007)

It saddens me to report that music journalist Tom Terrell – a well-loved figure in the New York and D.C. music scenes – died yesterday after a long fight with prostate cancer.

Tom had been a progressive radio and club deejay in Washington, a record-industry publicist in New York City, and lately an on-air music critic for National Public Radio.

Back in the day, Tom even contributed graciously to my short-lived fanzine, UNCUT FUNK.

Fond remembrances of Tom Terrell have been shared today at NPR’s blog for “All Songs Considered.”

A good friend of Tom’s – photographer and blogger Jeff Fearing (who shot the photo above) – had earlier set up the “Tom Terrell Photo Blog” in his honor.

That blog now includes details for next week’s wake and funeral service in Washington, D.C. (A proud Bison, Tom will be memorialized at Howard University’s Rankin Chapel.)

Through the magic of the Internet, you can read or hear Tom Terrell’s words with the push of a button.

Click here, for instance, then press “Listen” to hear a piece Tom did in July about a classic roots-reggae single – “Two Sevens Clash” – for NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

To read some of his CD reviews for the online magazine Global Rhythm, follow this link.

May Tom rest in peace, and may his family be comforted.