TubaForum.net

bort2.0 wrote: Sun Aug 09, 2026 10:37 am Not gonna lie, I'd like to see that Weird Al interview with Prince.

tofu wrote: Sun Aug 09, 2026 10:58 pm How in the world did TJ end up being involved in that bit? Did he do other stuff with Weird Al?

tofu wrote: Sun Aug 09, 2026 10:58 pm How in the world did TJ end up being involved in that bit? Did he do other stuff with Weird Al?

Tommy Johnson has been part of my life since about 1984. Even though we only worked together intermittently, he was my go-to guy whenever I needed a tuba player for my polka medleys - in fact, I believe he is the only tuba player I’ve ever hired. Not only did he blast out that magnificent tuba solo in “Smells Like Nirvana,” but we also got to play live together many years ago when I jammed with Frankie Yankovic (no relation) on a polka medley of Grammy-nominated songs. I saw Tommy for the last time earlier this year when he dropped by 4th Street Studio in Santa Monica to supply the tuba part to “Polkarama!”, the medley on my latest CD. Anybody who knows Tommy knows what a consummate professional he was, as well as an extremely nice, warm, likeable guy. I’m greatly saddened by the loss of this wonderful man and incredible musician. My thoughts go out to Tommy’s friends, family and loved ones. It was a true honor to work with him and I know we all miss him very, very much.

poomshanka wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2026 2:05 pm

tofu wrote: Sun Aug 09, 2026 10:58 pm How in the world did TJ end up being involved in that bit? Did he do other stuff with Weird Al?

If you're an accordion player who slings polkas, you likely have your tuba players on speed dial. Al contributed a remembrance to the program I put together for Tommy's memorial concert:

Tommy Johnson has been part of my life since about 1984. Even though we only worked together intermittently, he was my go-to guy whenever I needed a tuba player for my polka medleys - in fact, I believe he is the only tuba player I’ve ever hired. Not only did he blast out that magnificent tuba solo in “Smells Like Nirvana,” but we also got to play live together many years ago when I jammed with Frankie Yankovic (no relation) on a polka medley of Grammy-nominated songs. I saw Tommy for the last time earlier this year when he dropped by 4th Street Studio in Santa Monica to supply the tuba part to “Polkarama!”, the medley on my latest CD. Anybody who knows Tommy knows what a consummate professional he was, as well as an extremely nice, warm, likeable guy. I’m greatly saddened by the loss of this wonderful man and incredible musician. My thoughts go out to Tommy’s friends, family and loved ones. It was a true honor to work with him and I know we all miss him very, very much.

Although Al mentions Tommy being his only tuba player, he apparently forgot that Jim Self also played for him.

You can find a PDF of the program here:

https://tommyjohnsontuba.com/

tofu wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2026 5:03 pm
Everybody should read that write up. Thanks for sharing that - really great stories, insights and some good laughs.

I did notice one thing though - TJ in one story talks about arriving late at the recording of Jaws and using his 185. Toward the very end of the Memorial Tribute is a piece by Gene Pokorny talking about being in the symphony over in Israel, needing an F tuba so Tommy sold him his own F leaving TJ without an F for awhile. I guess back in 1970 F tubas were in short supply & tough to get. Gene goes on to say that he felt honestly it wasn’t the easiest F tuba to play and that made Tommy’s recording of Jaws with it - that much more remarkable to him. So even in his memorial tribute there is still some confusion as to which tuba was used - although I’m going to believe TJ’s version -as the guy who played it probably knows what he used.

Remarkable player & life.

tofu wrote: Thu Aug 13, 2026 12:53 am lol - today I learned there was a Jaws 2. Reading thru that thread it’s amazing how many thought they had the answer. So it’s the 185 on Jaws and the F on Jaws 2.

Did the Great White come back from resting in the eternal deep for the return of Jaws 2???

I guess I’ll have to watch it to hear the music - I assume the movie itself pales in comparison to the original.