Hubbry Logo
Tom BahlerTom BahlerMain
Open search
Tom Bahler
Community hub
Tom Bahler
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Tom Bahler
Tom Bahler
Tom Bahler
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Thomas Lee Bahler (also spelled Bähler; /ˈbeɪlər/; born June 1, 1943) is an American singer, composer, songwriter, arranger, producer and author. Bahler is most known for his song "She's Out of My Life", which was recorded by Michael Jackson; the song was originally written for Frank Sinatra, who never recorded it.[1] He is the younger brother of the singer, arranger, conductor and composer John Bahler.

In Bahler's early career, he worked with Jan Berry[2] (of Jan and Dean). Later, he and his brother John were vocalists in the Ron Hicklin Singers.[3] Together with The Wrecking Crew, the Bahler brothers have sung, produced and arranged hundreds of worldwide hits. They were the featured background voices on The Partridge Family recordings in the 1970s.[4]

The Love Generation

[edit]

John and Tom Bahler tried their hands with their own band, The Love Generation,[5] which was not a great success. They made three records as a band. The last record, "Montage", is considered to be a project just by John and Tom. As session vocalists for The Partridge Family, they re-recorded the Screen Gems-published song "Let the Good Times In" for the series' pilot episode, which they had originally recorded for their first Love Generation album in a slightly different arrangement. The Partridge version of the song remained a heavily sought after unreleased track until it appeared officially for the first time on the group's Come on Get Happy!: The Very Best of The Partridge Family CD, which was released in 2005.[4]

The Going Thing

[edit]

After "The Love Generation", John and Tom joined The Going Thing,[6] a band which was devised by the advertising agency J. Walter Thompson (now known as JWT), to promote the products of the Ford Motor Company. Tom Bahler appeared on Ford's 1969 "Going Thing" television commercial.[citation needed]

Later career

[edit]

Bahler wrote the Bobby Sherman hit "Julie, Do Ya Love Me" (1970) and Cher's 1972 hit "Living in a House Divided". "She's Out of My Life", recorded by Michael Jackson and other artists, was written by Bahler in 1979. It has been claimed he wrote "She's Out of My Life" about Karen Carpenter, who broke up with Bahler after discovering he had fathered a child with another woman,[7] but Bahler says the song was written about Rhonda Rivera.[8] In 1985, he was the associate producer of the Grammy Award-winning "We Are the World", which he considers his most significant project.[9]

Bahler is an associate of Quincy Jones.[1] He has also worked with B. J. Thomas, Neil Diamond, Sonny & Cher, David Cassidy and Billy Joel.[10]

For television and film, Bahler produced the music for the Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe Pageants for a number of years and he composed the music for a number of movies and scored a number of soundtracks.[11] He made cameo appearances in movies such as Wag The Dog, also composing the song, "The American Dream" for the film.[12]

Books

[edit]
  • Bahler, Thomas (April 17, 2013). Anything is Possible: A Tale of Æsop. Illustrated by Yulee Kim. Æsop Production Company. ISBN 978-0988527003.
  • Bahler, Thomas (November 10, 2014). What You Want Wants You (1st ed.). Æsop Production Company. ISBN 978-0988527010.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tom Bahler

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Bahler (born Thomas Lee Bahler; June 1, 1943) is an American , arranger, composer, and renowned for his multifaceted contributions to industry spanning over five decades. Born in , Bahler began his career as a trumpeter influenced by his musician parents—his father, Jack Bahler, was a Juilliard-trained cellist and trumpeter—but transitioned to vocals after undergoing surgery that ended his instrumental pursuits at age 22. Early in his professional journey, he collaborated with Jan Berry of , served as a session vocalist with alongside his brother John, and provided background vocals for The Partridge Family's recordings, including their hit "." Bahler's songwriting and arranging talents gained prominence in the and through high-profile collaborations, most notably with , for whom he penned the emotional ballad "" from the 1979 album , which peaked at number 10 on the Hot 100. He also contributed vocals and arrangements to Jackson's early solo albums, such as (1973), and served as Jackson's main vocal arranger throughout his 39-year career. A key figure in humanitarian music efforts, Bahler worked closely with for over 40 years, co-producing and arranging the 1985 charity single "," which featured an ensemble of superstars and raised millions for famine relief in Africa. His arrangements also appeared on Jones's albums like (1974), which reached number 6 on the 200. Beyond recording studios, Bahler's production expertise extended to live events and visual media, where he directed music for & Roy's shows for 13 years, produced several halftime spectacles, and served as creative director for . He has musical directed prestigious occasions including events like President Clinton's inaugural concert and the , as well as beauty pageants such as , , and . Throughout his career, Bahler has collaborated with an array of icons including , , , , , , and , while contributing to soundtracks like (1985). A Grammy Award winner, he has also expanded into authorship and mentorship, sharing insights from his extensive industry experience.

Early life and beginnings

Family and upbringing

Thomas Lee Bahler was born on June 1, 1943, in . He grew up in the area during a time when the region's diverse cultural landscape contributed to his formative environment. Bahler was the younger brother of , an accomplished singer, arranger, conductor, and who also pursued a prominent career in the music industry. The siblings shared a close family bond, with their household fostering an appreciation for creative expression from an early age. His upbringing was marked by a strong emphasis on and personal responsibility, influenced heavily by his father's unique approach of posing probing questions to encourage , such as challenging Bahler to consider his potential beyond specific skills. This paternal philosophy—that talent is a divine gift, and its application is a reciprocal offering—instilled a sense of purpose and service that shaped Bahler's worldview and indirectly guided his professional trajectory.

Initial musical influences

Bahler's initial forays into music were shaped by his family's artistic environment and exposure to diverse genres in during his youth. Influenced by his father, a Juilliard-trained and cellist, Bahler began playing the professionally in his early career. However, at age 22, he underwent surgery for a that sidelined his instrumental playing for two years, leading to a depression and a pivotal shift toward vocals. Growing up, he was influenced by the black gospel traditions at the Sky Pilot Revival Center, where large choirs performed, as well as classical and music through his father's background. His mother, an intuitive singer who performed despite not reading , further encouraged his early by singing lullabies and participating in church choirs, fostering a foundational appreciation for and emotional expression. In the mid-1960s, Bahler entered the professional music scene through his collaboration with Jan Berry of the duo , providing vocals on Berry's ambitious Carnival of Sound sessions recorded between 1966 and 1968. This work immersed him in the innovative surf-rock and milieu of studios, where he contributed background and lead vocals alongside session musicians from the Wrecking Crew, honing his abilities in tight ensemble singing amid Berry's post-accident creative recovery. The project exposed him to advanced recording techniques and the collaborative dynamics of the era's hit-making industry, marking a pivotal step in his professional development. Subsequently, Bahler joined , a premier session vocal group, alongside his brother John, where they delivered background vocals on numerous high-profile recordings throughout the late . This role in ' vibrant studio ecosystem—working on tracks for artists like —provided intensive training in vocal blending, multi-tracking, and quick adaptation to varied styles, from pop to advertising jingles. Through these experiences, Bahler refined his arranging skills, learning to craft intricate harmonies that supported lead performers, while gaining a deep understanding of the commercial music world's demands and opportunities.

1960s musical groups

The Love Generation

In the late 1960s, brothers Tom and co-founded the sunshine pop group The Love Generation in , drawing on their prior vocal experience with studio groups like to establish the band's harmonious sound. The original lineup included the Bahler brothers alongside Mitch Gordon on guitar, Jimmy Wasson on drums, on keyboards, and Annie White on bass, forming a ensemble focused on folk-rock and pop arrangements during the era's countercultural music scene. The band released three records between 1967 and 1968 on the Imperial Records label, beginning with their self-titled debut album The Love Generation in 1967, which featured upbeat tracks like "Sunrise Highway" and reflected the optimistic vibe of the period. A follow-up single compilation and other singles followed, but their strongest output came with the 1968 album Montage, produced by and showcasing sophisticated vocal layering on songs such as "" and "Montage (From )," which highlighted the Bahlers' arranging talents amid the group's evolving lineup. Despite critical praise for Montage as a pinnacle of , the records achieved limited commercial success, marking the band's brief independent phase before its dissolution around 1969. The Love Generation's version of "Let the Good Times In," originally written by and for , became notably tied to television series when the band re-recorded it for the show's 1970 pilot episode, with Tom Bahler providing the lead vocal that lip-synched on-screen. This recording process involved the full group delivering layered harmonies to capture a family-band feel, aligning with the pilot's narrative of a musical household discovering fame. The track was not included on initial albums but gained wider exposure in 2005 through its inclusion on the compilation Come On Get Happy! The Very Best of The Partridge Family, reissued by to celebrate the series' legacy and introduce archival material to new audiences.

The Going Thing

In 1969, The Going Thing was formed as a short-lived musical ensemble commissioned by Ford Motor Company's advertising agency, , to promote the 1969 model year vehicle lineup, including , LTD, and Torino. The group emerged from a talent search initiated in July 1968, aimed at capturing a youthful, vibrant "sound" to appeal to the younger generation amid the era's cultural shifts. This promotional effort marked a transition for Tom Bahler from the independent folk-rock pursuits of his previous band, The Love Generation, into a more structured commercial venture. The band embodied a "" style, characterized by upbeat, harmonious vocals and lighthearted melodies tailored exclusively for advertising rather than traditional releases. Key members included brothers (vocals and arrangements) and (vocals), alongside vocalist Janis Hansen, multi-instrumentalist Mitch Gordon (singer-drummer-trumpeter), and guitarist , among other session musicians, forming a promotional ensemble designed to project an energetic, relatable image for Ford's brand. Their emphasized catchy jingles like "Going Ford is the Going Thing," aligning the group's aesthetic with the company's goal of associating its automobiles with and . The ensemble's primary media appearance was a 1969 TV special and accompanying commercials, produced to showcase Ford's vehicles through performance segments where the group interacted with the cars in dynamic, lifestyle-oriented scenes. Directed and filmed to evoke sixties pop culture, the special featured the band performing original promotional tunes amid colorful sets and vehicle displays, airing nationally to drive dealership interest. This high-profile exposure elevated Tom Bahler's public profile, introducing him to broader audiences beyond session work and paving the way for future opportunities in songwriting and production.

Songwriting and arrangements

Major hit songs

One of Tom Bahler's most notable songwriting successes came in 1970 with "Julie, Do Ya Love Me," which he composed for Bobby Sherman. Released as a single from Sherman's album With Love, Bobby, the track peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 1970 and reached number 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, marking one of Sherman's biggest hits. In 1972, Bahler wrote "Living in a House Divided" for Cher, serving as the lead single from her album Foxy Lady. The song, which explores themes of strained relationships, debuted on the charts in June 1972 and climbed to number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, while achieving a stronger number 2 position on the Adult Contemporary chart. Produced by Snuff Garrett and arranged by Al Capps, it received positive notice for its emotional depth amid Cher's evolving pop style during that era. Bahler's composition "," penned in 1979, originated from a personal heartbreak following his breakup with a longtime partner, Rhonda Rivera, whom he had declined to marry despite lingering feelings. Initially offered by producer to after holding onto the demo for three years, the ballad was ultimately recorded by for his breakthrough album . Released as a single in April 1980, it peaked at number 10 on the , noted for Jackson's raw, tearful vocal delivery that captured the song's vulnerability.

Key artist collaborations

Tom Bahler's collaborations with Quincy Jones spanned the 1970s and 1980s, where he contributed arrangements and background vocals to several landmark projects. On Jones's 1974 album Body Heat, Bahler provided background vocals, including harmonies on tracks like "Everything Must Change." In 1981, he delivered background vocals on Jones's The Dude, including the hit "Ai No Corrida," employing multi-tracked layering to enhance the album's fusion of jazz, funk, and pop elements. Bahler's arranging and vocal work extended to a diverse array of artists, often emphasizing intricate harmony stacks and emotional depth. For , he sang background vocals on the 1972 single "Rock and Roll Lullaby," using layered choral effects to evoke a nostalgic, doo-wop-inspired sound that contributed to the track's chart success. With , Bahler provided background vocals on the album , adding subtle harmonic support to tracks like the title duet with , where his tenor blended seamlessly into the lush arrangements. On Cher's 1972 single "Living in a House Divided," Bahler served as songwriter. In television and pop contexts, Bahler was a key background vocalist for and throughout the 1970s, recording harmonies for albums like (1970), where his contributions helped define the group's polished, family-friendly sound through multi-part vocal blends. For Billy Joel's 1983 album , Bahler arranged the background vocals across the retro-inspired tracks, utilizing and Motown-style layering to amplify Joel's nostalgic tributes, as heard in songs like "." Bahler's involvement with Motown acts included background and vocal arrangements for during the early 1970s at the label, where he and his brother John contributed to sessions emphasizing tight, synchronized harmonies characteristic of the group's era. He worked with on various recordings in the 1970s, providing vocal support that highlighted her interpretive range through carefully stacked ad-libs and choruses. Notably, Bahler sang background vocals on Elvis Presley's 1968 comeback special, including the iconic "," where he employed vocal layering techniques—such as overlapping tenor lines and dynamic builds—to intensify the emotional climax of Presley's performance. These collaborations exemplified Bahler's expertise in creating immersive vocal landscapes that elevated the lead artists' expressions across genres.

Production and scoring

We Are the World involvement

In 1985, Tom Bahler served as associate producer for the charity single "," co-written by and , under the leadership of producer . His prior collaboration with Jackson on the emotional ballad "" from the 1979 album had already established a strong professional rapport. Bahler's role involved not only overseeing production aspects but also crafting the intricate vocal arrangements that harmonized the diverse styles of the ensemble. The recording session took place on January 28, 1985, at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood, , immediately following the , and required Bahler to coordinate the participation of 46 superstar artists, including , , , and . As vocal arranger, Bahler meticulously assigned solo lines and layered harmonies to suit each performer's strengths, managing the chaotic energy of the all-night session where egos and improvisations—such as Wonder's playful ad-libs—tested the group's cohesion. His arrangements ensured the song's message of unity was musically conveyed, blending , and soul elements into a seamless whole despite the logistical challenges of sequencing dozens of voices. Released under the USA for Africa banner, "We Are the World" became a global phenomenon, raising over $63 million for famine relief efforts in and through sales and related initiatives. The project earned four at the in 1986: , Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Music Video, Short Form. Bahler's vocal arrangements played a pivotal role in its artistic success.

Film, TV, and event productions

Bahler served as music director and producer for the , , and pageants starting in the 1980s, overseeing musical arrangements and performances for these televised events over multiple years. His contributions included composing original pieces and directing live orchestras, enhancing the pageants' production values during broadcasts on major networks. In film scoring, Bahler co-composed several tracks for the 1986 action thriller Raw Deal, directed by , including "Brains and Trains" and "Kaminski Stomps," which blended orchestral elements with electronic motifs to underscore the film's intense sequences. For the 1997 political satire , directed by , he wrote and performed the patriotic ballad "The American Dream," featured prominently in the to satirize media-manipulated . Bahler also directed music for high-profile White House events, such as the 2000 America's Millennium Points of Light Celebration, where he arranged performances celebrating volunteerism and national unity under President . Additionally, he produced musical elements for other TV specials, including Clinton's 1993 inaugural concert and various broadcasts, applying his arranging expertise to create cohesive ensemble soundtracks.

Authorship and later pursuits

Published books

In the 2010s, Tom Bahler transitioned from his extensive music career to authorship, self-publishing two motivational books through his Æsop Production Company that draw on themes of perseverance and manifestation. These works reflect personal insights gained from decades in the entertainment industry, where he collaborated with icons like and , using those experiences to illustrate broader life lessons without delving into specific professional anecdotes. Bahler's first book, Anything Is Possible: A Tale of Æsop (2013, ISBN 978-0988527003), offers a fictionalized retelling of the life of the ancient philosopher Æsop, born into slavery around 620 BCE and rising to become an advisor to a powerful king. Illustrated with 50 full-page images, the narrative frames Æsop's journey as a testament to perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of positive thinking, emphasizing that personal limitations can be overcome through unwavering belief in possibility. The book received praise from Quincy Jones, who highlighted its inspirational value, and it has been noted for its broad appeal as a motivational story suitable for all ages. His second book, What You Want Wants You (2014, ISBN 978-0988527010), presents a practical four-step formula for achieving a fulfilling life by harnessing and allowing the to align with one's desires. Focusing on manifestation and positive thinking, it encourages readers to ignite their , access inner guidance, and serve others with their unique gifts, portraying success as an effortless process rooted in self-discovery rather than struggle. Drawing subtly from Bahler's career mentoring artists and leaders, the themes underscore how aligning with one's potential leads to natural abundance, earning positive reader feedback for its accessible, non-theoretical approach.

Speaking engagements and recent media

Bahler has pursued a career as an and speaker, delivering talks on , , and insights from the music industry drawn from his collaborations with figures like . In April 2022, he shared personal stories of extreme and professional triumphs in music during a interview with Dan . On April 20, 2024, Bahler participated in the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) Masters Series event titled "The Arranger's Arranger: Lessons from the Top," where he demonstrated vocal arranging techniques and recounted career anecdotes, including principles of composition learned from . In recent media, Bahler appeared in the 2024 documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, providing firsthand accounts of the chaotic yet collaborative recording session for "," highlighting his role in assigning vocal parts to superstars like and . He further elaborated on these experiences in a March 1, 2024, interview on PBS's , alongside the film's director Bao Nguyen, emphasizing the event's humanitarian impact and logistical challenges. Bahler has also engaged in online discussions about his work with and , such as a December 2023 YouTube interview covering vocal production on tracks like "Beat It" and the "We Are the World" sessions, and a February 2024 live talk focused on producing the charity single. Additionally, he maintains an active presence at @tombahler, where he posts reflections on music collaborations, gratitude toward mentors like , and personal inspirations, with content continuing into November 2025, including tributes to 's birthday.

References

  1. https://asmac.org/2024/04/30/tom-bahler-the-arrangers-arranger-lessons-from-the-top/
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0126642/
  3. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/liberty-forrest/thomas-bahler_b_7668706.html
  4. https://danclark.com/thomas-bahler-shares-his-life-of-extreme-creativity-and-musical-superstar/
  5. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/424d67d9-44c3-4762-b3aa-c6668d20da27
  6. https://www.discogs.com/artist/255792-Tom-Bahler
  7. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4942598.Thomas_B_hler
  8. https://jananddean-janberry.com/jan-berrys-authentic-original-music-scores/
  9. http://badcatrecords.com/Lovegeneration.htm
  10. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1363013/bio/
  11. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1813349-The-Love-Generation-2
  12. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/the-love-generation
  13. https://vinylstories.ca/the-love-generation-the-love-generation-1967-a-generation-of-love-1986-and-montage-1968/
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/6622272-The-Love-Generation-Montage
  15. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-love-generation/montage/
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7NUB5rxKwQ
  17. https://www.hotrod.com/features/going-thing-peek-inside-mustang-marketing-1960s-display-mcacn-2017
  18. https://www.newspapers.com/article/lebanon-daily-news-ford-going-thing-1969/2125718/
  19. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/ford-tv-commercial-the-going-thing-stock-video-footage/1304466822
  20. http://artworkbymanicmark.blogspot.com/2010/03/going-thing-1969.html
  21. https://www.larrycarlton335.com/about
  22. https://macsmotorcitygarage.com/video-the-1969-fords-are-the-going-thing/
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUdHBS5lQm8
  24. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Julie%2C+Do+Ya+Love+Me%3F+by+Bobby+Sherman&id=6211
  25. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1972-07-08/
  26. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/michael-jackson/shes-out-of-my-life
  27. https://www.sessiondays.com/2014/08/1981-quincy-jones-dude/
  28. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/bj-thomas/rock-and-roll-lullaby
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/5995911-Neil-Diamond-You-Dont-Bring-Me-Flowers
  30. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tom-bahler-mn0000624956
  31. https://www.discogs.com/master/43553-Billy-Joel-An-Innocent-Man
  32. https://www.truemichaeljackson.com/more-about-michael/thomas-bahler/
  33. https://music.apple.com/us/song/if-i-can-dream/1628655731
  34. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/we-are-the-world-making-of-quincy-jones-michael-jackson-1234958224/
  35. https://www.michaeljackson.com/video/she039s-out-my-life-video-0-2/
  36. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/01/27/we-are-the-world-30th-anniversary/22395455/
  37. https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a32868751/we-are-the-world-history-interview/
  38. https://grammy.com/news/album-of-the-year-grammy-winners-80s
  39. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/8066%257C0/Tom-Bahler
  40. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158620274788023&id=63092678022&set=a.406252518022
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091828/soundtrack/
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120885/soundtrack/
  43. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25341877-what-you-want-wants-you
  44. https://www.amazon.com/Anything-Possible-Tale-%25C3%2586sop-First/dp/0615499945
  45. https://www.mindmovies.com/inspirationshow/thomas-bahler
  46. https://onpurposemagazine.com/2013/03/25/tom-bahler-famed-music-composer-turned-author/
  47. https://www.amazon.com/Anything-Possible-Tale-%25C3%2586sop-Illustrated/dp/0988527006
  48. https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Want-Wants-ebook/dp/B00PR79YY4
  49. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/what-happens-in-greatest-night-in-pop
  50. https://www.pbs.org/video/the-untold-story-of-the-race-to-record-we-are-the-world-wnx4/
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIkP_XuIDeY
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrT3N6nGPRk
  53. https://www.instagram.com/tombahler/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.