Tom Shaker / Host

Tom Shaker is a retired college professor who taught at Dean College, where he directed the Communications Program. He grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY, the son of a plumbing contractor who was a Jazz nut. They fought like cats and dogs over the one stereo in the house, until Tom realized his Dad was right: Billie Holiday IS better than Grand Funk Railroad.

He spends his weekends saving diners for the American Diner Museum, where he serves on the board of directors, and listening to all kinds of music. In addition to international travel, Tom loves hitting the road to visit music festivals, diners, drive-ins, and oddball museums. He has an extensive collection of not only Jazz, Country, Soul and Gospel, but Hawaiian, Hillbilly and early 1920’s dance band music.

Over the years, Tom worked in radio, television and film production, before pursuing his academic career, receiving a master’s degree from UMASS and a doctorate degree from Boston University. He’s written two books, A Treasury of Rhode Island Jazz & Swing Musicians with Dennis Pratt and In Harmony: Early Vocal Groups Remembered and Celebrated with Lloyd Kaplan. 

Email: tomshaker@wicn.org