05/11/2026
The swing dance community in Washington, D.C., has lost a true heartbeat with the passing of Tom Cunningham. As the leader of The Tom Cunningham Orchestra, Tom didn't just play music, he curated the soul of the ballroom, providing the irresistible rhythm for dancers for 35 years. We especially remember his performance for DCLX during the Battle of the Bands on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Tom’s legacy lives on in every triple-step and every echoing horn blast in the halls he once filled with joy. He will be deeply missed, but his music will forever dance in our hearts.
Tom Cunningham Orchestra performing "Loose Lid Special" at the DC Lindy Exchange inside the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo on Saturday, April 21, 2012.For mor...