Henrico Black History Month Spotlight – Tommy Edwards
In honor of February as Black History Month, the Henrico Citizen will spotlight (on each weekday during the month) an important current or former Black resident of Henrico whose life has helped shape the county.
Henrico County’s musical history includes the remarkable rise of Thomas Jefferson “Tommy” Edwards, a singer and songwriter whose smooth vocals carried him from Central Virginia to the top of the national charts.
Born Feb. 17, 1922, Edwards spent his early childhood in Hanover County, where his father served as principal of the Virginia Manual Labor School for Colored Boys. In 1928, his family moved to Henrico County, a place that would shape his formative years and to which he would later return.
A gifted musician from a young age, Edwards graduated from Virginia Randolph High School in Glen Allen. While still building his career, he hosted a live music program twice a week on WRNL radio, showcasing the talent and charisma that would soon bring him national attention.
His first major success came in 1946 when Louis Jordan recorded Edwards’ song “That Chick’s Too Young to Fry.” That same year, Edwards moved to New York City to pursue broader opportunities in the music industry. He initially signed with Top Records before moving to MGM Records in 1950, a shift that would prove worthwhile.
Edwards’ songwriting and vocal performances were embraced by some of the era’s most popular artists, including Louis Jordan, Tony Bennett, Red Foley and Tony Fontaine. As his profile grew, so did his television appearances. He became a frequent guest on nationally broadcast programs such as “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “Your Hit Parade,” solidifying his place in mainstream American entertainment.
His defining moment came in 1958 during his final recording session under contract with MGM. Edwards revisited “It’s All in the Game,” a song originally composed in 1911 by Charles G. Dawes, with lyrics later added by Carl Sigman. Edwards had first recorded the song in 1951, but it was his 1958 version — infused with a contemporary rock and rhythm-and-blues beat — that resonated with audiences.
The updated recording soared to No. 1 on the charts, holding the top spot for six weeks. It sold approximately 3 million copies and earned Edwards a gold record, marking the high point of his career. During the next two years, he placed 13 more songs on the charts.
However, by 1962, Edwards had stopped recording. Struggling with illness and financial hardship, he returned to Henrico County in 1967. On Oct. 22, 1969, he died of cirrhosis of the liver at age 42. He is buried at Quioccasin Baptist Church cemetery in Henrico.
Nearly four decades after his death, Edwards’ contributions were formally recognized. In 2008, a Virginia Highway Historical Marker was erected near Pemberton Elementary School in the part of Henrico where he grew up, ensuring that the legacy of one of the county’s most successful recording artists endures for future generations.
