Tom Needham has worked extensively in radio, film, and television. He holds degrees in English, Film, and School Administration from Hofstra University, the New York Institute of Technology, and Stony Brook University.
After graduating, he taught English and film in Queens and on Long Island.
Early in his career, he co-directed the film Countdown to X-Day, which was named Best Documentary at the Long Island Film Festival. He also produced the popular Manhattan cable show New York Jazz, which featured jazz legends such as Herbie Hancock, Tito Puente, Stanley Jordan, Cyrus Chestnut, and Lionel Hampton.
For many years, Tom has served as Vice Chairman of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). Additionally, he is the Chairman of the Education Board and the Honorary Advisory Board, which includes notable members like DMC, John Tartaglia, Dan Zanes, Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice, The Magic Garden’s Carole and Paula, and Steve Burns of Blue’s Clues fame.
He has also chaired the LIMEHOF Nominations Committee and has contributed to the production of Hall of Fame events featuring Stephen Schwartz, Paul Shaffer, Lou Reed, Kenny Vance, Billy Joel, Debbie Gibson, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Clive Davis, Carter Burwell, Vince Giordano, and Connie Stevens.
Currently, he hosts and produces the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast, which features interviews with inductees such as Taylor Dayne, DJ Hurricane, Kurtis Blow, Elliott Murphy, Melanie, and members of Twisted Sister, Blue Öyster Cult, and Vanilla Fudge.
For over 30 years, he has hosted America’s longest-running film, music, and ideas-themed radio show, The Sounds of Film, on WUSB. The show broadcasts interviews and music across Long Island, NY, parts of Connecticut, and worldwide via the internet.
The SOUNDS podcast with Tom Needham features new interviews as well as classic conversations from The Sounds of Film archive.
