The Tragic Death Of One-Hit Wonder Tommy Page
Tommy Page was working as a coat checker at a New York nightclub when he handed over his demo recording to a label exec (via Billboard). Per Deadline, this gutsy move led to the release of his debut album in 1988. Page was only 18 and the album was met with little success.
However, that all changed with his follow up album, "Painting in My Mind." His 1990 single "I'll Be Your Everything," which was co-written by and featured New Kids On The Block, went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Page instantly became a '90s teen heartthrob (via The Straits Times). He was on the soundtrack for the films "Dick Tracy" and "Shag." According to Variety, he was also featured on an episode of the widely popular series "Full House," when he sings to Stephanie Tanner. Moreover, he achieved wide success in Asia, where he played several concerts and did duets with different artists. Page, however, was more than just a one-hit-wonder singer.
Page became a successful music executive
According to The Straits Times, Page returned to school in the late 1990s and graduated from NYU's Stern School of Business in 1997. He then turned his career focus to being a music executive. Per Billboard, Page worked for Warner Bros. records. He helped launch the careers of Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette, Josh Groban, Green Day, and more (via Deadline).
In 2011, Page left Warner Bros. records after nearly two decades to be a publisher at Billboard. He then moved on to a job with Pandora, the streaming service. His final role was as vice-president of music partnerships at The Village Voice.
On March 3, 2017 Page was found dead, an apparent suicide. He was only 46. No other information regarding his death is known. He is survived by his partner Charlie and their three children (per People). The New Jersey native ultimately recorded nine albums and toured several times throughout his brief lifetime.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).