The Nashville music community had no greater advocate than Tom Spaulding. The first time a young Tom picked up his brother’s guitar, he set out on a life path that would serve him the rest of his days.

Tom was born in Mauston, Wisconsin in 1961. From his earliest years, he displayed a love of learning and an aptitude for music. He played guitar in local bands and spent a decade working/teaching at Ward-Brodt Music. In 1995, he relocated to Nashville to work for Gibson Guitars. He played professionally for several artists including The Lynns before transitioning to a dozen-year career as a guitar technician. Tom toured the globe with Aerosmith, John Fogerty, Hall & Oates, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, LeeAnn Rimes, Wynonna, and others. He was a great tech because he was a great player.

Tom was co-owner of Smash Recording, where he met his wife and soulmate of 20 years, Donna Beasley. For 12 years Tom was a fixture at Soundcheck as the Nashville Artist Relations Representative for D’Addario & Co., and later for Fishman Transducers.

Tom was co-founder of the instructional streaming service Modern Music Masters, launched in 2016. It features some of the greatest musicians to ever play their instruments. One of Tom’s greatest joys was to marry teacher with student and watch them carve their own paths, with a special love for pedal steel guitar.

Over the years, Tom enjoyed playing the stages of Nashville with his wife and friends. Tom worked for Guitar Center from home for a brief stint. At the time of his death he was excited about his newest chapter with Musical Instrument Supply Consultants.

How did Tom help you? Maybe he gave you gear or advice. He probably shared his deep knowledge of music, guitars, bourbon, fishing, history, et cetera. Perhaps you shared a laugh, a good tune, or a game of cribbage. Did you talk about the Packers? Did he feed you cheese, a bowl of his chili, a hot beef sandwich? I bet you found him to be a good hang in the back lounge of a tour bus in name-the-city. Maybe he took care of you while you were on stage, before and after a show. He might’ve helped you find a gig. You used Tom as a sounding board that left you pumped and better prepared. Whenever you went to see Tom, you left with more than you came in with. He made sure of it.

I don’t think Tom knew how brightly his light shined or how lost those of us who loved him will be in its absence. “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” What a successful life you lived, Tom, and how dim the lights of “old Nashville” seem without you.

Thomas Gerard Spaulding passed away at his home on May 8, 2026 at the age of 64. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Donna Beasley Spaulding; his cherished siblings, John (Diane) Spaulding of McFarland, WI; Maureen (Michael) Buttner of Mauston, WI; and Sandy (Richard) Cowan of Stoughton, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, John (Jack) and Elizabeth (Betty) Spaulding of Mauston, WI and his sister, Ellen (Conlee) Cox of DeForest, WI. Tom was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Ryan (Rebekah) Spaulding (WI), Colin (Angela) Spaulding (WI), Joshua (Greg) Garrison (TX), Matthew (Erin) Buttner (VA), Meghan (Brian) Stewart (WI), Erin (Ben) Miller (WI), Damian (Andrea) Cox (WI), David (Kim) Cox (WI), Danielle (Shane) Haag (MN), Riley (Hannah) Cowan (WI), Kelly (Beau) Cornell (WI), Jennifer Brock (TN), and Justin (Rachel) Beasley (TN). Other cherished family includes sister-in-law Debbie Beasley (TN), cousins Becky Jenkins and Ann Large (TN). Tom will be missed by all.

A special mention of thanks to Tom and Donna’s chosen family, Bob and Etta Britt.

A celebration of life in TN is planned for Sunday, May 24, 2026, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Eastside Bowl 1508A Gallatin Pike S Madison, TN 37115.

A celebration of life in WI is planned for Sunday, June 28, 2026, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at The Lodge at Mauston 104 Lodge Lane Mauston, WI 53948.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Cheatham County Animal Control (Pegram, TN) in Tom Spaulding’s name. He would love that.