Thomas De Armen Stacks, known professionally as Tom Stacks (November 9, 1899 – February 19, 1936)[Stacks's full name and date of birth are provided on his September 1918 draft registration, FHL roll number 1893233.][ New York Times, 20 February 1936, page 8] was an American musician who was the lead singer, drummer, and sound effects man for many of Harry Reser's late-1920s jazz and novelty bands that included the Six Jumping Jacks.
Early life
Born on November 9, 1899, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Elmer E. and Margaret A. Stacks, both of whom were also Pennsylvania natives.
[1900 U.S. Federal Census, Harrisburg Ward 6, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, enumeration district no. 58, sheet no. 2.]
Career
Stacks was an active musician by early 1920.
[1920 U.S. Federal Census, Altoona Ward 1, Blair County, Pennsylvania, enumeration district no. 38, sheet no. 2A.] During his career, Stacks worked as the lead singer and drummer for many of
Harry Reser's bands. In 1936, he lived in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of
Queens. He died in 1936 when the restaurant he was performing in caught fire.
