Bandleader and guitarist Tom Swadley was born in Johnson City, Tennessee where he took up piano at the age of 9 and the guitar as a teenager. Tom proudly served in the US Air Force from 1969-1973, and was stationed in England for most of his service.  He returned home, where he finished his education at East Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and later a master’s degree in City Management.  Tom’s career in public service includes work with Councils of Government (COGS) in Sumter and Charleston, South Carolina as a Grant Writer and Roving City Manager, and later as Interim City Manager for the city of Bristol, Tennessee.

Tom spent most of his musical life playing Blues, Rock & Roll, and Bluegrass guitar before devoting himself to Irish Traditional Music in the 90’s. Inspired by the records of the Bothy Band, Tom was one of the four original founders of Sigean, which was formed in 1997. Tom’s guitar heroes include Duane Allman, John Doyle, Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Eamon O’Leary, and John Walsh.

Tom and his wife, Connie are the  proud parents of three adult children, Jordan, Morgan, and Brian, and proud grandparents.