Tom Dawes

Tom Dawes (1939-2022) was an American musician, best known as a member of the pop-rock band The Cyrkle. Formed in the mid-1960s, The Cyrkle gained prominence for their hit singles, notably "Red Rubber Ball," which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 and was co-written by Paul Simon. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies and harmonies, fitting within the pop and folk-rock genres of the era. Dawes played guitar and contributed to the band’s vocal harmonies, helping to shape their sound. The Cyrkle's music, influenced by the Beatles and the folk revival, encapsulated the vibrant pop culture of the 1960s. They released two albums, “Neon” and “The Cyrkle,” before disbanding in 1967. Beyond his work with The Cyrkle, Dawes had a successful career in advertising and jingle writing, contributing to the sound of American pop culture through commercials. While The Cyrkle may not have achieved lasting fame, their work reflects the innovative spirit of 1960s pop music and has influenced subsequent artists who draw on that era's sound. Dawes's contributions remain a part of the fabric of American pop history.