Inducted - St. Louis 2010
Svetozar Sammy Tomich was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He was completely devoted to his family, his church, and to tamburitza music his entire life.
His musical career began in 1928 when he joined the tamburitza orchestra "Sloboda" under the direction of Miško Boskovich through 1940. Sammy's tamburitza musical career flourished uninterrupted for the rest of his life until his passing in 1971. From the early 1940s through 1971, he was the lead singer with the very popular "Balkan Serenaders" who played at all the St. Louis Holy Trinity Church functions. During the period 1948 through 1950, he was featured with "Tamburitza Slav" which included Nikola Jakovac (Hall of Fame member) and Louis Jakovac, his brothers-in-law, whom he would later join in forming the "Jakovac Tamburitzans" and Tommy Kelam (Hall of Fame member). He performed with the "Jakovac Tamburitzans" as lead singer from 1959 through 1971 at St. Louis society venues. From this association, Sammy was able to complete several fine recordings with the orchestra.
Sammy is well remembered for his beautiful, tenor-baritone voice. Following elementary school, he was offered a scholarship to study at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music, but was forced to decline due to the economic conditions at that time; his family needed him to work. He continued singing and performing with his various tamburitza groups at all the prestigious St. Louis country clubs, society night spots, and his church. Among some of his highlights was a 26-week engagement at the elite Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis with the "Jakovac Tamburitzans". Sammy was well known in St. Louis society and was a favorite of many locally famous families including Gussie Busch of the Anheuser Busch dynasty where he frequently played at his home at Busch's "Grant's Farm" property.
Sam married the love of his life, Millie Jakovac, and together they raised four children. He remained dedicated to his family and church his entire life and never missed church on Sunday where he faithfully held down the tenor section. He traveled widely with his church choir and family performing in choral festivals throughout the country.
A devoted family man, a devoted friend, and a true good-will ambassador of his proud heritage, culture, and his beloved tambura music, for countless years Sammy Tomich touched thousands with his music and his incredible voice. He was a shining example to a young generation of tambura lovers and musicians. One such group, "Sloboda", took his name when Sammy passed away and proudly carried on under the banner of the "Svetozar Tomich Orchestra". This group was made up of Sammy's "boys" ... his son Bratso, and beloved nephews Živan J. Katich (Hall of Fame member), Georgie Cavic, and Michael Martinovich. The group, which now includes Sammy's grandson Dimitri on bass, continues to perform, perpetuating his love of tambura as he would have wished. Additionally, Sammy's daughter, Joyce Radosava Levy, and his granddaughter, Natanja Tomich, are operatic sopranos of national renown.
Well done Sammy ... Ko Peva, Zlo Ne Misli
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