Every once in a while, our local soil produces a talent so massive it alters the artistic scene far beyond the Tualatin Valley. But because history has a habit of moving fast, the stories of these hometown heroes can get lost to time. One of the greatest “hidden” legacies in Hillsboro’s history belongs to a boy born right here in 1922: a musical prodigy named Tommy Todd.
This story was inspired by a local man, Patrick McFadden, who posted about Tommy Todd on the Hillsboro history group I run on Facebook. We Remember Hillsboro is now 11,000 strong, with each member being verified as being tied to our City and our legacy. The site is a history mine where photos, stories, and connections have poured in by the thousands. Often, one of them will inspire me to amplify it here at the Herald for worldwide sharing. Tommy’s story rose to that level.
Before he was sharing a marquee with Ella Fitzgerald or arranging hits for the “King of Swing,” Tommy was just a four-year-old boy sitting on the knee of his uncle, Clarence “Mac” McFadden, on the porch of a home on Connell Street in 1926.
Born Into the Rhythm
Genetics and environment fell perfectly for young Tommy. Born to Tommy Theron Todd, a gifted musician in his own right, and Grace McFadden, music was effectively the family business. Recognizing an extraordinary natural capability, his family ensured he studied under some of the most formidable music teachers of the era.
But Tommy’s real masterclass happened just a few miles east. By the late 1930s, the teenage pianist began taking the red electric trains into Portland. He gravitated straight toward the vibrant, beating heart of the city’s Black community, immersing himself in the legendary jazz clubs of the Albina district and Williams Avenue. Jamming with older, veteran players in these clubs gave Tommy an education in rhythm and improvisation that no classical conservatory could match.
Running with Giants
By his early twenties, the kid from Hillsboro was one of the most sought-after arrangers and pianists in the country. The jazz world quickly realized that Tommy wasn’t just a player; he understood the complex math of big-band orchestration.
His career reads like a Mount Rushmore of American music:
- The Goodman Collaborations: Tommy became a vital gear in the Benny Goodman machine during the 1940s. He didn’t just play piano in Goodman’s legendary big bands; he was trusted in the hyper-exposed, high-virtuosity trios, quartets, and combos alongside legends like vibraphonist Lionel Hampton.
- The Songwriter: In 1947, Goodman and Todd officially co-wrote “Tattletale,” an intricate, driving jazz instrumental released by Capitol Records that is still a definitive piece of late-40s swing history. He also lent his brilliant touch to standards like “Chloe” and “Spanish Omelette.”
- Accompanying Royalty: When the absolute best vocalists in the world needed a pianist who could anticipate their every breath and modulation, they called Tommy. He regularly accompanied the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald.
As a teenager in the late 1930’s he hung out in the Black Community of Portland to hear and jam with many talented musicians.Tommy went on to become a gifted arranger and by his early twenties was in high demand as an arranger and pianist. He accompanied such greats as Ella Fitzgerald and many other vocalists, but also was in the Benny Goodman big bands of the 1940’s, also his trios, quads and combos, including Lionel Hampton and other great Musicians. Later he taught at California Universities and was featured in movies with Gene Kelly. Compositions include Tattletale, Chloe, Spanish Omelette and original compositions performed with Benny Goodman. Tommy was born in 1922 and passed away in Burbank, California in 1984. I was offered Tommy’s pianos upon his death, but chose to pass them on to a deserving musicianSamples of his music can be heard on YouTube – Patrick McFadden – We Remember Hillsboro
Hollywood and the Later Years
As the Big Band era wound down, the center of gravity for elite arrangers shifted to Southern California. Tommy transitioned easily into the Hollywood studio system, lending his musical brilliance to major motion pictures, including features with the legendary Gene Kelly. Later in life, he passed his deep knowledge down to the next generation, teaching music theory and jazz piano at California universities.
When Tommy passed away in Burbank, California, in 1984, he left behind a legacy written in 78 RPM shellac, celluloid film, and the memories of the jazz royalty he shared the stage with. He also left behind his instruments—pianos that carried the sound of a lifetime of genius, offered back to those who valued the music above all else.
Tommy Todd started on a porch right here in Hillsboro, listening to the quiet of Connell Street, before going out to make the whole world swing.
