By AnnaMarie Houlis, Parade | For more than four decades, Willie Nelson’s faithful guitar tuner, “Tunin’ Tom” Hawkins, was as much a part of the legend behind Trigger as the guitar itself. Hawkins wasn’t just a technician; he was the steady hand behind the instrument that helped shape Nelson’s signature sound onstage for generations. His passing marks the end of an era in American music.
Trigger—the battered, beloved Martin N-20 nylon-string guitar Nelson has played since 1969—is one of the most recognizable instruments in music history. Its worn wood, gaping hole worn through years of intense playing, and signature tone have been at the heart of Nelson’s performances for more than half a century. But keeping that unique instrument playable night after night has required more than love and respect. It took expertise and dedication.
That’s where Tom Hawkins came in.
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Read more about Mr. Hawkins’ life and career here:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/willie-nelson-s-guitar-tuner-dies-after-40-years-of-tuning-trigger/