Tommy Richard Bolin was considered an upcoming guitar god, when his hard drug habit ended his rise, permanently.

Bolin got his big break replacing Joe Walsh as guitarist of the James Gang. Between James Gang albums, he worked as a session musician for a number of major acts, including Carmine Appice, and on the debut album of the band Moxy.

Bolin with the James Gang

He had just released his own stunningly original and diverse solo album when he was signed up to replace founding member Ritchie Blackmore in the band Deep Purple, aborting his tour in support of his own album. Unfortunately, the band broke up after one album and tour.

Bolin with Deep Purple

Tommy then released his second solo album, with his biggest rock radio hit, Post Toastee. Unfortunately, while touring to promote it, Tommy died of a drug overdose.

But he had developed a loyal cult following, which continued after his martyrdom, supporting a half dozen posthumus albums compiled from material he’d recorded.

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