Tommy Page, in an early 90s publicity photo.
He scored a number one hit in 1990 with “I’ll Be Your Everything” before becoming a music industry executive. On Friday, Tommy Page was found dead in an apparent suicide.
He was a one-hit wonder before the Backstreet Boys were legal. And he helped set the stage for an eventual boy band revolution. But Tommy Page, best known for his chart-topping, 1990 hit “I’ll Be Your Everything,” has just taken his life.
According to details confirmed by Billboard, the singer committed suicide on Friday (March 3rd). He was 46.
Tommy Page undoubtedly had his demons, but he also had the outward signs of music industry success. Page managed a successful music industry career after the spotlight faded, with an NYU business school degree smartly secured. Originally signed by Sire’s legendary Seymour Stein, Page went into A&R (essentially music talent scouting and development) himself.
Specifically, Page worked at Reprise Records, part of Warner Music Group. He also enjoyed executive stints at Pandora and Cumulus Media.
Back in the 80s and 90s, Tommy Page was a pal with the members of New Kids on the Block. That’s ancient history now, though New Kids are perhaps the grandfathers of modern-day boy bands.
Page wrote “I’ll Be Your Everything,” with Jordan Knight and Danny Wood of the New Kids. Actually, Tommy Page was touring with New Kids on the Block at the time, which explains the collaboration.
Incidentally, Page also pursued a career in journalism. He was an associate publisher at Billboard in 2011, before assuming publisher stripes.
And the story of his discovery is a heartwarming tale. While slogging it out as a young bouncer at New York nightclub Nell’s, Page slipped Seymour Stein a demo tape. Back in the 80s and 90s, that sort of happy accident often led to success. And yes, it was a demo cassette tape.
By April of 1990, “I’ll Be Your Everything” was topping the charts.
first, it’s not breaking news because Billboard wrote about this over the weekend. second, this man was a dear friend to so many in the industry, and loved by many. How about you use a little couth and show a bit of respect for the deceased when you write about a situation like this? Thanks.
Your story needs a slight correction. Tommy Page never worked as a bouncer he was the coat check manager at the club. That is where he slipped in the demo tape.