Pinky Tomlin, a musician with a reputation for being a skilled banjoist, was born in Eros, Arkansas, but spent his childhood on a farm in Durant, Oklahoma. As a teenager, he developed a passion for music, which led him to be hired by Louis Armstrong for a riverboat gig at the tender age of 16. This early start in the music industry soon made him gravitate towards the guitar, and he eventually gained national attention for introducing his original song, "The Object of My Affection."
Despite his success in the music world, Tomlin's easygoing and disarming nature belied a shrewd business sense and a diverse education in music, law, and geology. He went on to earn featured roles in movies and even starred in four low-budget films for Melody Pictures, but his true love remained music. He continued to focus on songwriting and performing, but the grueling road tours eventually took their toll, and he began to lose his enthusiasm for the music business.
Seeking a change of pace, Tomlin turned his attention to his collegiate interest in geology and soon became an oilman. He believed that the key to a happy and fulfilling life was to have "work to do, someone to love, and something to hope for." Tomlin's biography, titled "The Object of My Affection," was published in 1981, offering a glimpse into the life of this multifaceted individual.
Tomlin's story is a testament to the importance of following one's passions and being open to new opportunities. Despite his success in the music industry, he was not afraid to pivot and explore other interests, ultimately finding a sense of fulfillment in his work as an oilman.
