Louisiana Swamp Pop Legend Tommy McLain Has Died
[KNGT-FM] - We are sad to have to report the passing of a true Louisiana music and Swamp pop legend, Tommy McLain. Tommy passed away yesterday at the age of 85.
Tommy McLain was born in Jonesville, Louisiana, on March 15, 1940, and started performing music in the 1950s with his buddy Clint West. They were members of the music group The Vel-Tones in the late 50s before joining the legendary Louisiana music group, the Boogie Kings.
That was when Clint West and Tommy McLain recorded the duet for the monster hit Trying To Find Another Man. Tommy then rose to fame when he recorded the song Sweet Dreams which charted on the Billboard charts, climbing up to #15 in 1966. Here is that song.
Tommy McLain also has songwriting credits to his name. He also wrote Freddy Fender's hit single, If You Don't Love Me Alone (Leave Me Alone). Tommy was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in October 2007.
Tommy McLain passed away yesterday at the age of 85, and his family took to social media and made this statement. His son Jonny McLain said,
It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father Tommy McLain.He departed peacefully on the morning of 7/24/25 at the age of 85.He was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend.He will be deeply missed but, the music he made will live on in the hearts and minds of his fans, friends, and family. It will be his legacy.
With regards
Tommy even teamed up with Country music legend and Louisiana boy, Sammy Kershaw, to record a song on the album you see above. We lost a true legend, folks. Thank you, Tommy, for the music and the memories. You will truly be missed.
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