This is the last volume of music Thomas Vance Hicks and his son Joseph recorded. As mentioned before, Tom had a dulcimer shop on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain back in the eighties. Tom was asked to demonstrate his dulcimer-crafting skills in Atlanta for the “Handed On: Folk Crafts in Southern Life” exhibit as pictured below. “I hate to see a good instrument hang on the wall,” said Tom in regard to dulcimers being purchased for decoration rather than actual use.
While he is believed to have crafted more, it is certified that Tom created more than 1,123 dulcimers in a period over 17 years. “People think [learning how to play a dulcimer] is way over their heads. We’re all so smart these days, we can’t figure out the simple things.” Tom not only sold dulcimers, but was passionate in teaching newcomers and youngsters alike: “I can have ’em playing before they leave here,” he says when driving home how quick and simple the dulcimer can be to learn.
Tom left behind a legacy and a burning passion for music in his now-adult son, Joe. Tom and Joe traveled across the country performing music and awing those in ear-shot at their mountain-made instruments. We have previously posted videos of them performing in Texas in the 80’s.
As much as he loved mountain music and historic country anecdotes, music was also a spiritual plane for Tom as well. Joe uploaded the above photo online with the caption “He loved the Lord and was a choir leader in his church for many years.” This last volume has been uploaded below and can be streamed on YouTube. Important album liner notes are available in the archive here.