My earliest recollection of having music in my life was at the age of 7 or 8 years old. Mom and dad let me take "Steel Guitar" lessons at the old KVIC radio studio in Victoria. I believe we even played on the air. Then later on mom would take me to a "Used Record Store" on Main Street where you could buy old "78 RPM" records that had been on local "Juke Box's" here in the Victoria area, that's when I started singing with the old country artists learning their songs.

In Highs School my interest in the musics progressed. I played in St. Joseph High School Band. In my Jr. and Sr. year in high school I formed my first Rock & Roll Band. We played for school functions and high school sock hops.

In February of 1962 I recorded my first record with VAL Records out of Victoria under the stage name of Tommy Clay. "The Tall Oak Tree", a song that I had written was recorded in Beaumont Texas, backed by Mickey Gilley and his band. The recording session was produced by Ray Doggett of Houston Texas, the same producer that produced Kenny Rogers's very first record in 1958. "We'll Always Have Each Other", on the Carlton label.

In 1968, I recorded a second record, "Red River Jake", on the SARG label, written by myself and a friend, Benny Wickliffe. After working and trying to get a major recording contract with little success I dropped out of the music scene for 6 years. In 1974 I started singing and playing Christian Music. In 1992 and 1993 I recorded two Christian Albums for Holy Family Catholic Church in Victoria, Texas.

I now look forward to singing music from the 50's and 60's  for my generation. I have found that folks still love the "Good Ole Songs" from that era. I also sing a lot of Elvis' music as I have always enjoyed his singing and his choice of songs. Many people tell me, "You Sound Like Elvis"! I take that as a compliment and I'm humbled by the comment.

Tommy Schlein - Singing "Good Ole Songs" - Victoria, Texas - 361.550.7913

tommyschlein@gmail.com