He began as a drummer, then pianist, but began learning the guitar at thirteen.
Bolin was a competent guitarist in any style, Jazz to Classical, but his favoured style was rooted in Blues and Jazz-Fusion.
Tommy was a great Hendrix fan, and he was often compared to Jimi.
His first bands included 'Zephyr' and 'Energy', where he consistently 'blew audiences away' with his unbelievable playing.
After having the privilege of playing with greats such as Billy Cobham, and making two albums replacing Joe Walsh in James Gang.
In 1975, Bolin was invited to join Deep Purple, repalcing guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had left to form Rainbow.
The subsequent album, 'Come Taste The Band', was a wonderful mixture of Rock, Blues, soul and Funk.
The band went on tour, but soon split, after it became clear that things werent working anymore.
This prompted singer David Coverdale to write the song "Breakdown" about the band, which went on his second solo album, 'Northwinds'.
Bolin had tasted the fame and success, and the lifestlye that goes with it, and this was, tragically, to be his downfall.
At the same time as touring with Deep Purple, Bolin had recorded 'Teaser', his first solo album, some of which featured his new friend, Deep Purple bassist, Glenn Hughes.
Recorded partly at Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios, the album was a beautiful mixture of Bolin's roots, and features virtuoso playing from Bolin, and guests Dave Sanbourn and Jeff Porcaro, among others.
Bolin's second album, 'Private Eyes', just reinforced his abilties.
By November 1976, The tommy Bolin Band was finalised and on tour. By December the band had accepted the offer to play supporting Jeff Beck on his U.S tour.
By this time, Tommy was heavily taking drugs. He was even borrowing money from his managers to feed his addiction. Tommy tried more than once to quit, but his efforts were crushed by many of his 'entourage' : bad news for Bolin., easily swayed by the people he asssociated with.
On December 4th, 1976, a Saturday morning, Bolin's girlfriend called for the police, after finding him seemingly unconscious.
Tommy was later pronounced dead, caused by a "multiple drug intoxication", or Heroin OD.
Tommy died a relative unknown, and before his peak; he could have been as big as Hendrix, but many will never even hear his playing.
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