I knew Tommy from my time as organiser of Manchester College of Commerce Folk Club, 1966-69. He was booked a number of times, and then again at Leigh Folk Club, which I became secretary of in the early 70's.
He was truly a great singer and composer, and a good guy, not making anything of his disability. Me and my mate, also saw him at the Disley Club. We do ''Bide Awhile'' as a tribute to him. But, we've been racking our brains for years trying to remember the words to ''The River Belongs To Me,'' about his time working on Manchester Docks, ( a crane driver I believe).
I'm wondering if Mark A has this in the live recording he made in '75. We've got the tune, but Tom changed all the words and made it into a new song for Second City Spiritual, calling it 'Nearly St Marie', I think.
If Mark or anyone can help, we'll be grateful.