By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – The moment Tom Stankus, known as “T-Bone,” started playing his ukulele, the students at the Francis J. Kane Elementary School were immediately under his spell. He delighted the students and teachers with his magnetic personality, witty sense of humor and songs about reading as a journey.
His April 7 visit, sponsored by the Kane Parent-Teacher Organization and the Mass. Cultural Council, was presented to the students in kindergarten through second grade. Dubbed “America’s Musical Pied Piper,” T-Bone is able to communicate with his audience through music.
His energy is contagious and the audience could help but join in, clapping and dancing to each song he performed. Many of his songs are about using his imagination inspired by stories he read.
“When I travel, I meet my buddiesÂ…the books,” he explained. “I even read when I’m in the car. Well, I listen to a story on a CD. I get to imagine I’m with the whales, turtles, sharks and octopuses and in the ocean while reading ‘Mutiny on the Bounty.’ I wanted to go to
Tahiti and learned all about sailing, swimming with the sharks and more, all because I opened a book and went on a journey. I really did end up taking a trip and get to experience many of the things that I read about.”
As a young boy, T-Bone’s father inspired him to read about the South Pacific and gave him his walking stick. Later, he was able to visit there and shared his experiences with the audience.
“The colors there are so rich and vibrant,” he said. “The tie-dyed clothes are just beautiful. I especially love how the grandparents are revered by all.
“Who would think that I actually went there all because I read a book?” he asked. “Books can take you wherever you want to go. If you don’t open them, you are not going to go anywhere. Books can really stretch your imagination and I hope you have wonderful journeys with them.”
During the performance, T-Bone sang songs about Noah’s Ark, with the students using their arms and legs to depict certain animals. “Have a Ball” was a fun, lyrical tune where large beach balls were tossed through the audience. He also took a very recognizable song, “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” and asked audience members to request that it be sung in a certain style, like reggae, jazz or rap. The entire audience could not contain their giggles once he delivered the chosen style.
Before performing full time, T-Bone was a music teacher for 900 elementary and middle school students weekly from 1972 to 1977. In 1979, he wrote a song titled, “The Existential Blues,” and played the college circuit around the Northeast U.S. Someone took the record and sent it to Barret “Barry” Eugene Hansen, aka “Dr. Demento,” a nationally known radio disc jockey and record collector.
“I was flown to perform a show in front of an audience of 2,000 people,” Stankus recalled. “My song debuted at number one on ‘The Dr. Demento Show.’ That was a big deal. I will also be featured in a documentary titled, ‘Under the Smogberry Trees,’ which is scheduled to be released sometime this year. It is about the legendary DJ.”
Stankus said he will soon be releasing a compilation of his comedic music collected over the past 30 years. For more about the artist, visit www.t-bonemusic.com.
