Tommy McDonnell, also known as "Pipes", is a musician who grew up on the streets of New York City's East Bronx. His mother Florence, a singer, actress, and professional dancer, introduced him to the joys of performance at an early age. His father Tom, who's ambition was to be a music arranger, ended up becoming the Charlie Parker of the carpentry world in order to support 7 kids.
By the time he was ten years old, Tommy began studying drums and by age 15 he was already performing in established bands. In 1988, Tommy decided to step out from behind his drums and with the help of producer and friend Joe Ferry embark on a singing career that met with instant success. Tommy was a featured singer on many albums including The SOS All-Stars, Syndicate of Soul, and with young guitar virtuoso Gil Parris. Tommy also had a very successful jingle career.
Tommy's big break came when he was asked by BLUE LOU MARINI and ALAN MR FABULOUS RUBIN to front "The Original Blues Brothers Band" in 1995 in Japan He continued to tour with them all over the world and then in 1998 was asked to be a featured singer along side Lou Rawls, Isaac Hayes, Gary US Bonds and Koko Taylor in the louisiana gator boys in the Universal Pictures film BLUES BROTHERS 2000. with Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman, Joe Morton ,Blue Lou Marini, Alan "Mr. Fabulous" Rubin, Steve Cropper, Matt Guitar Murphy, Duck Dunne, Paul Schaffer and Eddie Floyd to name a few. Tommy has also shared the stage with such greats as BB King, James Brown, ZZ TOP, Eddie "Knock On Wood" Floyd, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Lou Rawls, Isaac Hayes, Gary US Bonds, Koko Taylor, Travis Tritt, Grover Washington Jr., Bo Diddley, Sam Moore, Wilson Picket, Jewel and Al Green. He still tours with the band to this day.TOMMY HAS ALSO PERFORMED WITH The National Symphony, The Pacific Symphony, The Dallas Symphony, The Pittsburgh Symphony. He has performed at The Super Bowl half time show, The Hollywood Bowl, The David Letterman Show and Saturday Night Live.
For the last 13 years has been the lead singer with the Irish fiddler, Eileen Ivers from Riverdance. Tommy brings a deeply soulful aspect to the multidimensional thrust of this talented band that constantly tours the USA and the world. Tommy McDonnell's solo record Tommy McDonnell & the Mac 5, was released in July 2014 and features deep soul tones that only Tommy can deliver. Tommy McDonnell & the Mac 5 is on tour now in Europe and Asia. www.tommymac5.com