Original Soul Train Dancer Thomas Evans aka TomTom Recalls How He Stood Out On The Show & The Line!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Original Soul Train Dancer Thomas aka 'TomTom' recalls his best moments on Soul Train and how me made sure to stand out. #IWasASoulTrainDancer #SoulTrainDancer #ThomasEvans
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I've noticed almost all of these Soul Train dancers interviewed look and sound healthy and in a good place.... And that is a beautiful thing.....
It is
80s and 90s generation the best
I know right!!
The dancing kept the youthful & energized it seems!
Great cardio!!!!!
P Diddy should watch this and take some notes 😒. Seriously.
Is it just me or did every last one of these dancers find a fountain of youth? Dancing really does keep you young!!
@EnJoy Life And Smile Yes the food back then wasn't filled with toxic poisons and fillers that blow up the body and make you sick like it does today.
@@imari2305 So true!
fountain of youth? It was soul train! lol
Anything that gets you moving. What happens to water that doesn’t move?
Exercise and fashion
Tom Tom may not have been the best dancer, but his looks and swag makes up for it.
If you noticed, as his time moved forward on the show, his dancing skills actually got better, he had some pretty cool dance moves, like the "TomTom"...
I love his little dance moves
@@ShawnC.T. that's a great observation. Not fully a "fake it, til you make it" thing, but had he not been around that level of free kind of dancing, he nay not have improved. Cool stuff ✌🏽
Tom was one of the better dancers.
@@casey4602 he really wasn't. He had stage presence though.
What a nice, humble man. I was a young, white, female pre-teen living on a farm in rural Indiana in those days and never missed an episode of Soul Train!
Like most of us in America we watched both Soul Train & American Bandstand.
@@kathyflorcruz552 so true
I love how all of them seemed to gracefully walk away from Soul Train when they knew it was time. I’ve heard no stories of anyone being fired or having negative feelings about their time there. They all seem at peace and happy with the experience and content with life afterwards. Totally awesome.
they all liked to dance first so that helps. like it was a hobby for them. they got to be on t.v. and it gave them some opportunities here and there. a lot of them that started in the 1970s and 1980s got out by early-mid 1990s
people were content back then, just listen to the lyrics of all the songs...nobody was complaining about everything because you'd look like a clown in those days.
I grew on soul train during this era and remember the "pie incident" in real time. But yeah, it seems like none of them had anything bad to say. It was such a good time back then for the dancers, and for the viewers....
I think people where generally more at peace back then. No victims, or entitlement. Easy going people with GREAT 80’s MUSIC!
I'm a professional dancer and we love soul train, but the show was a cautionary tale about knowing your worth. These dancers weren't compensated at all for their time or effort. That is a travesty considering the cultural hallmark the show is.
Even social media will pay people for their effort in content creation. People should know their worth. I know a ton of dancers from soul train that have spoken on that.
Time is doing him good.
I thought the same, he looks better now than back than......good looking man.
Yes ,he's aged like fine wine.
11/27/2020
He is very handsome 😍
FOR REAL!!!
He danced for 39 years
So humble. He was grateful that he was even there. He came in at the right time when soul music was in its heyday.
Exactly my roommate dance on Soul Train and she took me with her just to sit in the audience it was a nice experience. It was cold as hell in there I went to the taping when Mariah Carey was on there for the first time
robert gordon.....And he left at the right time too -1988- cause all that good dance/ funk music started to fade away from the air waves and all that Rap shit started to take over! The New Jack Swing era did pretty well but that didn’t last for too long either!!
@@robertjaime6808 correct
@@robertjaime6808 Golden Era “Rap Sh!t” on Soul Train was the Sh!t, friend
The only thing missing from these interviews is getting them to do their signature move for us again.
Cause he had that one move
As a dancer, your hips get messed up. So doing some of the old moves becomes dangerous.
2:30 he technically did
This dude just emanates pure swag
No that belongs to me I'm the king off swag
I really enjoyed watching Ski & Tom Tom on Soul Train back in the day. To me, they were like Batman & Robin on that stage. 🎶 🕺 😀
He was one of my favorite dancers! He still looks so good too. Glad he had a good experience and enjoyed his time on the show.
What a great story. Soul Train is an Iconic institution, considering what it did for music, dance and fashion. Years ago I met some people visiting LA from the east coast They were knocked out when I told them that the kids on Soul Train were just regular kids. Not high paid dancers and actors. Soul Train hit the air waves long before VCR’s/DVR technology. So you had to pay attention and catch all the moves. Those were good times.
Yes he is looking very sharp!🥰 These videos just make me smile so much😊
He's one of my favorite dancers too! 😊
😄, this dude and "Big Louie" used to have me rollin' on the floor in laughter. They were the coolest dudes in that Soul Train studio, besides Don Cornelius...
LOVED them 2 Shawn.😊
They made the show. The made looking cool the thing vs. Knowing how to actually dance.
☝🏾Everything He said 😎
Shawn C T, I like Don C. But wouldn't exactly call him 'cool',LOL. Great host,though.
@@tonypastor705 Whaaat, man Don was cooler than a polar bear's behind, 😊...
Damn TomTom is still fine 😍... I always thought he reminded me of El DeBarge
Yep! He sure does look like a DeBarge
Omg right 😫🤣 he aged impeccably. Still foinneee as wine.
@@highpriestess3947 yes
Cyrious Definitely
He is Handsome.
Oh, wow. This is such a flash from the past. This was a golden age. We will never see something like this again. Those dancers were national celebrities. I watched the show in Detroit from elementary school to high school. I miss those times.
I’m happy to say that I got to watch this brother on a weekly basis on TV. What a time to grow up!
It is safe to say that there will never be another show like Soul Train. Thanks to all the dancers and to the late Don Cornelius
Exactly and they're never should be
NEVER!!!
I'm so glad for this one. I always enjoyed watching Tom Tom and Lou Ski dance. I always thought they were related. He still looks good. I swear being a dancer is like a "fountain of youth" for these great entertainers. I'm glad to see he's enjoying life.
Yes,I just typed that too Daisy Mae, all the dancers still look really good!
Big Louie & Tom tom are best of friends on Soul Train.
After 1993, after Don stopped hosting Soul Train, I faded away. Especially since all the dancers of my childhood had all left. Great memories!!!
Me too it wasn't the same and I was watching more BET VH1 MTV 1 and 2 and dance off .
@@jenniferfields7113 Same here. It wasn't trendsetting anymore, to me...
He seems like a really nice guy. His fashion is amazing. The Soul Train dancers look amazing in the past and amazing now. Dancing must keep you young.
I remember seeing him every Saturday - so cool to hear them talk in these interviews. What a great show it was!
Very humble and well spoken. How refreshing. When men acted like men.
2:49 Dat look like a man WYM?
Really , I thought they were suspect ,but look who cares ,great show was glad that they are doing well and looking good
Mad respect to that generation. This generation has lost its way and is so unoriginal it’s sad nothing suspect about this man .. have u seen the pop starts from the hip hops scene lmao talk about suspect this gem is weird and not in a interesting way .. soul train was class what a time it was to have real music culture .
the 80s were mad flamboyant stfu
cope
Just have to say I'll never ever get tired of their Stories
Exactly that's one thing I like about today's technology you get to see and hear a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that happened way back when.
@@1990758 yes indeed thanks much for upload
African brother! Glad to hear about it. Soul Train was much more diverse than at first look.
The Oracle: .... as long as you bring some “BEN GAY” ....
Gtfoh. Soul Train was MUCH more diverse than American Bandstand and some of that other bs.
@@xman9190 I remember it took me awhile to accept it because other shows didn't appear welcoming but over time things changed.
Arabs aren't African people.
@@jeffpierceiii4433 Morocco is in Africa. So how is it that Moroccans are in Africa and have had family in Africa for CENTURIES, YET you want to say they aren’t African people?! Do you realize how diverse Africa is? It is the most diverse continent in the world. Arabs have immigrated to parts of a North Africa for thousands of years, most Moroccan people are heavily mixed. If you did a DNA text on this man, I can guarantee you would find AFRICAN DNA. Btw, there are Black Arabs born in Africa.
What a special place in time.
Love soul train those were the days no gangs no killing just good clean fun those were the days
I always marvel at how lucky those Soul Train dancers were; especially the ones from the late 70's to the 80's. To be on one of the most popular shows of the 20th century as this gamechanging cultural shift called Hip Hop was happening & to be in the presence of so many LEGENDARY singers as their careers were either just starting or they were in their prime is just DOPE.
Soul Train is probably as close to a time machine as we gon get, man. Take me back to those Saturdays! 😭
Love these stories. Keep 'em comin'!
You summed it up perfectly. 🥰
Soul Train is a SERIOUS time machine!!!!!! 😁
Although hip hop was growing in the 1980s it didn't become a cultural force that started pushing other Black music aside until the 90s. Then fastforward to the 2010s and it's pushed most other genres in general aside besides "pop".
I grew up with hip hop but it depresses me seeing the lack of diverse music in the mainstream, and it also depresses me seeing every talentless fool hogging towards rap music. Basically, hip hop has become a victim of its own success.
I blame the period when MTV stopped playing music videos and the lack of musical variety shows for not exposing younger kids to enough bands, singers and genres. Hard rock and metal went from being so huge to now being an afterthought, and you can forget about soul and funk altogether.
So true
He still looks good glad he doing good he was one of my favorite him and louie
Why tf is TomTom so damn fine?!? He looked great then but now, omg 😱😳😍😍😍
Good spirit. Thats why he hasnt aged.
I love these!! I was the only person in my family watching Soul Train religiously, lol, I LOVE it! ❤❤❤
Maaaaaan...those were the days!!!! OMG
He still has swag, very handsome!
Those were the times where people danced to have fun without having to be vulgar. Yeah they had some semi-sexy moves but it wasn’t “vulgar” Aww 😍 This was cool😎 😊❤️
💯💯💯👍👍👍
U r absolutely right!
Very well put!
Facts!
Yeah now it's all about looking sexy and honestly it ends up looking trashy and foolish (and not the good kind lol) this was just vibing
This brother said it’s was Fantastic! Wow. 😊 All good memories.
damn. i love that these clips really show him "loosen up" as a dancer over his appearances on the show. you can tell he has rhythm, but he wasn't aware of his "space" in the beginning. dance moves kept arms close to waist and torso, even though his elbows and knee/leg work is slick.
then he reaaaally started getting into the groove. the thoughts probably left the mind and he just took off with his unique characteristics in those moments. and honestly, improved the vibe of his moves. i actually really love the TomTom, and had no idea he can be keystoned as having coined that type of shuffle.
TomTom you're cool cool cool.
There would never be a show like soul train. Its was definitely one of a kind.
Exactly and I hope they never try to do a new Soul Train
@@1990758 They tried. It didn't work
@@maryexstroughtonaire4244 when
What is the 2020 equivalent of soul train? I really wish there was something like this today. If i was around during soul train times i would have definitely been on that show lol
Good times back then!!
I remember him very well. Great dancer and was always creative and original.
He's so fine 😩.
Huh?
@@alanmorris7669 wdym huh? I said he's fine LMFAOOOOOOO
@@nehsangbong7259
I know, but you're a guy.
@@alanmorris7669 LMFAOOOOOOO. I'm not a guy. You just assumed that based on my profile picture because I'm a Futurama fan. And even if I was a guy there's nothing wrong in saying that. There are guys that like men too you know? 🤨
@@nehsangbong7259
Are you of the Ogoni people?
TomTom was awesome. Everyone loved him, he had great moves and a great sense of humor.
All the dancers need to do a reunions. But Tom Tom and Ski stood out for me on Soul Train.
Could be cool to see a Reunion dance off
It wouldn't be the same coming from this generation
Soul Train Dancers need reparations.
The way Don Cornelius was they weren't getting a penny it would have probably been too much drama lawsuits and what have you
thats a whole fact.
@@1990758 They should have at least gotten some type of stipend, to at least help pay towards their clothing. Without any type of pay, they couldn't even write off any expenses on their taxes... Even the audience on all the "court" shows get paid minimum wage...
@@xamyx2205 actually if it was a white operation the clothing companies would have furnished it for free advertising.
🤣🤣🤣
Heeeeyyy Tom Tom, where you been?? You were one of my favorites.. I don't know you, however you were a major part of my youth. God Bless!!
Thank you to all the dancers of Soul Train their will never be another stay humble.❤
His humility,
Style and even humor made him my favorite male dancer on the show! I see you Tom Tom!!!!
Tom Tom and Big Louie were Great! Great too see him and Big Louie doing well ,God bless them both!!
These cartoon graphics are hilarious.
"and I thought it was a DeBarge..." had me laughing. I loved watching this show growing up... that and Solid Gold.
Wow! Such a Dapper❤ even after 30 years! 💋💛 Dancers do stop the time. He's ageless!
he's so fine...well dressed and dripping with swag
This was the one I was waiting for.
Me too 👍🏽
Ikr? I said where is Louie's partner. I loved seeing them dance.
I miss Soul Train! Loved loved that show! Those were the days!
Tom Tom has swagger and that will get you far with people
As a little kid growing up in NY, I lived for those mini Soul Train line skits....And not gonna lie, I thought he & Lou Ski were brothers....
I love these interviews. *sigh* I miss culture we can be proud of.
Mr. Thomas Evans mentioned the other Soul Train Dancer Mr. Marco. Please interview him soon he was also another favorite Dancer to watched on Soul Train. He had the best Dapper & Elegant Wardrobe Attire on Soul Train.
I think they already interviewed him
@@1990758 ,whaaaaat! I hope not and when? Because I've been checking back & forth on the Soul Train paged to see his interview. And I haven't seen anything on him.
It was just like going to a club. No pay. Just fun and recognition. Good for all the soul dancers 👯
I love this! It seems that Soul Train is no longer now...I used to watch it every Saturday back in the 90s as a kid...good ol days!
WOW!!! Love it..... Soul Train is the best show EVER!!!!!
@Jay Mamba Jr , I am from those two Unique Decades. A little girl, during the 1970s and a Teenager Lady, during the 1980s. Soul Train were at at it's peak, during the 70s & 80s. If we only had a Time Machine to zoomed me out of the 21st Century🤦🏾♀️
LOVED his long LEATHER Coats.
One of the best and so young---looking. Love you on Soul Train.❤❤❤❤
Soul Train! Please come back.
I always wondered what his ethnicity.. I always called him Italian Stallion
He does have that flare
Maaaaan.... I miss those days!
Love these stories from the dancers!!!!!!!!
It’s always heartwarming hearing a true story of a person’s dream coming true. I’m happy for you brother.
This has to be one of the swaggiest dudes ever
No that belongs to me
@@mangococo8429 I don’t think Gacha Life characters have a dance animation, you may want to try again
BAD CREDIT BEHIND SOUL TRAIN
Here’s the REAL lame game at Soul Train. I personally knew a major dancer on the show and we went shopping together at Century City Shopping Center and her credit cards got declined. She kept trying and finally one worked at another store. I was RELIEVED because every cashier knew her. Moreover, the idea was to keep exchanging💰outfits one for another, and so on and so forth...
The price for fame on the Train.
It paid off because you was one "CLEAN DUDE"!
@@merchantsmithimages the price of fame ???? unless they could see the future they didn't know that.....
he looks great...aged gracefully
Love and miss watching this as a kid in the 80's and early 90's ❤
I remember these shows so well. I miss Soul Train so much.
Thomas had that HUMPIN DANCE down.😉
He got away with A LOT during the 80s. There was this intermission where they danced to Roger & Zapp. He snuck up on this female dancer from behind and went OFF. They didn’t call him Rude Boy Tom Tom for nothin. 🤔😏🤭
😂👍💯
Down to the Tea 🤣😀😂😁
Tom and Lou would've done a sitcom and I would watch!!!
Life presents countless opportunities to everyone. When you're as humble & positive as this guy is, you recognize them. Be positive; don't begrudge others, and you'll catch your own Blessings!!
Exactly that's what I try to tell people on a daily basis put that anger and jealousy to the side
What a fun memory! I enjoyed watching this. Thanks!
His handsomeness and humility made me enjoy seeing him in Soul Train. 💋💋💋
He was one of my favorite dancers!
Oh wow! I remember him, very smooth dancing brother!!!
Old school had style and Owned his swag.
Bravo..
Tomtom was the on of the Best 💕💃 on soul train
Wow, another one of my favorite Soul Train Dancers. I used to call him the Smooth & Cool Dancer. I also had a crush on him when I was Teenager Lady, during the 1980s. He's still Handsome.
Remember him back in the day. Classy to this day.
Dancing was so healthy because you moved all body parts while having fun and doing you. I loved Soul Train and dancing. Over the years, so many guys stop dancing and start holding up the wall and watching women. Well, here comes the beer bellys, health problems, and obesity.
*I'm non-stop SMILING on the edge of my seat, listening to him speak his truth!*
What a elegant, wonderful dude!!! This is my favorite interview!
Such a humble and gracious dude.
I absolutely loved him. He had such a presence that commanded attention. And he dressed so cool.
So far, they all look great and turned out well. There's magic in dancing chile! Been new it but people are finally catching on!
Miss all the dancers, everyone was fly and good friends. I wish they bring soul train back and with the same class. Nick Cannon would make Don Cornelius proud hosting the new Soul Train. Oh and keep the classic soul train song. Sooooooouulll Train (smile)
You go Tom Tom with your bad self. True badass!
I see you TomTom representing Seaside. We in the HOUSE!!!
He was one of my favorites very memorable dancer✔
He was fine then and he still fine now! That was my crush!
Thanks for your kind words all of you drew me to the TV 📺 on Saturday in my city... great dancing always 💖
The Best years of soul train 🚆 80s and 83 -87 O Bryant soul train is coming was the theme song after that got weak
You can’t forget the 70’s soul train
I think O'Bryan had the best theme song, too!
Whenever I hear that song it just takes me back to Saturdays during my teenage years.
He was obviously good enough and looked like he was having fun, thats what kept him on the show.
Hey my brother watching you on soul train and the other dancers got me wearing suits when I used to go out back in the '80s 1984 thank you brother love you man awesome
Great attitude.......
I remember all of them aw man ,classic 💯💯💯.Peace TOM TOM
YOU WERE ALL SO GREAT & YES U STOOD OUT!!!! IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS ON TV & THE MOST DANCE INNOVATIVE & FASHION FORWARD SHOW EVER! WE HADNT SEEN OR HAD CLOTHES IN THE "D" LIKE U ALL WORE!! I WATCHED & MY KIDS GREW UP WATCHINH...BLESS YOU & SOUL TRAIN, U MADE & DON CORNELIUS MADE HISTORY & WHAT IT GAVE THE WORLD❤