Tom Prasada-Rao

Tom Prasada-Rao (Jr) was born in Ethiopia on April 11, 1958 to Indian parents (Tom Prasada-Rao, Sr and Ardys Williams Prasada-Rao) and moved to the US in the early 60’s. His early days were spent in Takoma Park, MD where he attended Sligo Elementary School and Takoma Academy.  Life was filled with family, food, music, and community.  

Tom began playing the guitar in high school and would sing with his 3 siblings (Dan, Patty, and Polly). There were many weekend afternoons with friends and family singing and playing together in the Prasada-Rao living room.  Tom began writing songs during this time and sharing them at church and coffee houses around town and during family travels around the world. 

Tom went to Newbold College in England for 2 years and then spent a year in India at Spicer Memorial College (the alma mater of his parents from decades earlier). His music continued to develop, adding in more sounds of his Indian heritage over the years.  

Tom’s life always centered in some way around music, performing both solo and in groups, including Mantle, Travelers Crossroads, The Sherpas, The Dreamsicles, and Fox Run Five.  

In the early 90’s Tom produced his first solo album “Incoming” with Mark Heard.  In 1993 he won the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Competition and the Kerrville Folk Festival quickly became a second home with the ranch serving as sacred ground for songs, relationships, musings, and creations amidst the richness of the Kerr-Family there.  

Tom expanded his musical chops into recording and producing albums for others at his “Wildwood Tofu Bar” studio initially in Takoma Park, MD, then to Dallas, TX, with mobile services all over the country.  Tom continued to write prolifically, producing many more albums, and inspiring audiences wherever he went.

Tom was diagnosed with cancer in January 2019 followed by surgery, radiation, and chemo over the last 5 years. Through it all, Tom kept writing.  Some would say the best songs of his career were in these years, with a power to touch way deep down in your soul and give you the opportunity to feel, cry, hope, grieve, and believe.  

When it became clear in April 2024 that there would not be other viable treatment options, Tom shared:  “I’m at peace. It’s been a good ride… I’m grateful for these five extra years of life.” In June 2024 Tom chose to enter home hospice care and took his last breaths on June 19 surrounded by his immediate family.

Tom leaves a host of friends and family who are missing his smile, his voice, his giggle, his cooking, his songs, and big hugs.  He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Prasada-Rao, Sr. Tom is survived by his mother Ardys Prasada-Rao; siblings Dan Prasada-Rao (Windy), Patty Prasada-Rao, Polly Roberts (fiance Mark Campbell); daughters Caroline and Hannah Odom; nephews Alex, Zach (Alex Sanyer), and Tim Pitcher; nieces Maddy VanCuren and Leah Pitcher; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and more.   

There will be a celebration of Tom’s life on Friday, June 28 at the Southern Asian SDA Church (2001 E. Randolph Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904) at 11 a.m., with a family visitation (all are welcome to come greet the family) just prior from 10-11 a.m.  Everyone is invited to share a meal with the family after the service in the church fellowship hall.

The service will be livestreamed at this link:  https://www.youtube.com/live/_0bFC0BlZQc?si=RXpVu3yv5o3RnuPp

If you would like to send flowers, please send them directly to the Southern Asian SDA Church at 2001 E. Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904.  If you would like to make a donation in honor of Tom, you can give to the Kerrville Folk Foundation to celebrate Tom’s passion for folk music and his commitment to the support of the continuing success of the Kerrville Folk Festival for generations to come.  You can donate through the Foundation’s website or via paypal.