About The Author
Tom Aswell grew up in Ruston an avid baseball fan. Following his graduation from Ruston High School, he put off college to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. Upon his discharge, he started working at the Ruston Daily Leader as sports editor before enrolling at nearby Louisiana Tech University with an eye to becoming a baseball coach. Fate intervened, however, when Wiley Hilburn, only recently appointed head of Tech’s Journalism Department, convinced Aswell to give up his aspirations of coaching in favor of a writing career.
Following his graduation with a degree in journalism in 1970, Aswell worked for a number of papers, including the Shreveport Times and Journal, the Monroe News-Star, Morning World, the Baton Rouge State-Times, and three more stops at the Daily Leader. He won numerous awards for breaking news coverage, feature writing, and investigative reporting. In 1980, he opened his own news bureau in the State Capitol in Baton Rouge where he provided coverage of state government for about forty weekly and small daily newspapers throughout the state.
The following year Aswell approached Baton Rouge singer John Fred Gourrier (Judy in Disguise, Agnes English) with a unique proposition. Aswell suggested that the two work to produce a video of Louisiana rock & roll singers. Fred was enthusiastic about the project but it was 1981; the oil patch had just dried up and interest rates were off the charts so there were no investors to be found. Fred, in a moment of inspiration told Aswell, “You’re a writer so why don’t you write a book?” Aswell didn’t act on the suggestion until April 15, 2005. That was the day John Fred passed away in Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. Aswell started writing Louisiana Rocks! The True Genesis of Rock & Roll the next day. The book is dedicated to John Fred’s memory.
In 1967, while attending Tech, Aswell met and fell in love with a Tech student from nearby Simsboro. He and the former Betty Gray were married in 1968. They and their chiweenie dog reside in Denham Springs—within 10 miles of their three lovely daughters, two special sons-in-law, and seven beautiful grandchildren. He continues to write when not spending time with family or attending LSU baseball games.