Truman Virgil "Pinky" Tomlin remains notable for his multifaceted career as a musician, actor, and entrepreneur. Rising to prominence in the 1930s, Tomlin's distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence captivated audiences across America. His hit songs, including "The Object of My Affection," and successful film appearances, solidified his status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Beyond his musical talents, Tomlin's transition to business, founding "Pinky Tomlin Oil Properties," demonstrated his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout his life, he remained committed to charitable endeavors and community involvement, leaving a lasting legacy both in entertainment and beyond.[1]
Truman Virgil Tomlin, affectionately known as "Pinky," was born on September 9, 1907, in Eros, Marion County, Arkansas, to George Louis Tomlin and Louisa C. (Dobbs) Tomlin.[2] He lived in Grove Township, Newton County, Arkansas[3], before his family moved to Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma where he grew up.[4] Growing up, he displayed passion for music and entertainment from a young age.[5]
At the age of 16, Tomlin embarked on his musical journey, joining Louis Armstrong's band on a riverboat in St. Louis, Missouri. It was during this time that he honed his skills as a guitarist, which later became a prominent aspect of his performances.[6]
Tomlin earned his nickname "Pinky" when kids at school discovered he was a physical menace if they called him "Red." They compromised on "Pinky." Despite his early success in music, he pursued higher education, studying geology and law at the University of Oklahoma.[5]
Throughout the 1930s, Tomlin toured extensively with his own band, composing several hit songs along the way. His talent and charisma led him to Hollywood, where he starred in numerous films and became a popular figure in the entertainment industry.[5][7]
In 1938, Tomlin married his college sweetheart, Joanne Alcorn, and the couple remained together for the rest of his life.[8]
Following his Hollywood stint, Tomlin formed his own swing band, "Pinky Tomlin and his Orchestra," which toured America for two years. Despite his success in music, he eventually retired from the industry in the mid-1950s to pursue his passion for geology.[5][7][9]
Tomlin founded "Pinky Tomlin Oil Properties," a successful oil and gas drilling company based in Beverly Hills. Even in retirement, he remained active in charitable endeavors, particularly within the Beverly Hills Rotary Club.[5][7]
Tomlin's legacy extended beyond his entertainment career, as he continued to make occasional television appearances and participate in charity events. His autobiography, "The Object of My Affection," was published in 1981, reflecting on his remarkable life journey.[5][7]
Truman Virgil "Pinky" Tomlin passed away on December 12, 1987, leaving behind a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and community.[10][11][12] He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles County, California, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in American entertainment history.[13]
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Categories: Oklahoma, Notables | Arkansas, Notables | Marion County, Arkansas | 1910 US Census, Newton County, Arkansas | Grove Township, Newton County, Arkansas | Newton County, Arkansas | 1920 US Census, Bryan County, Oklahoma | Durant, Oklahoma | Bryan County, Oklahoma | Orchestral Musicians | 1940 US Census, Los Angeles County, California | 1950 US Census, Los Angeles County, California | Los Angeles, California | American Singers | American Television Actors | Los Angeles County, California | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California | Notables