Honoring Tom Prasada-Rao

Tom Prasada-Rao stuck in my head when I saw him playing a violin like a ukulele during a live virtual presentation with the Fox Run 5: Neale Eckstein, Matt Nakoa, Eric Schwartz, Jagoda, and TPR himself. But he got under my skin with his words, sung in a voice so gentle you could rest a feather on the melody. He made us all believe the world is a good place, and it could be a better place.

The song “$20 Bill” is a tribute from TPR to George Floyd, depicting him as a human though he was murdered by an overzealous police officer. Within weeks of its release on social media, over 150 musicians had covered the song.

Dan Navarro and Janiva Magness FAI 2025

Dan Navarro and Janiva Magness took it to the studio. “$20 Bill” was chosen as 2025 Song of the Year by Folk Alliance International. Dan posted on Facebook:

Thank you so much to the Folk Alliance International for recognizing our cover of “$20 Bill (For George Floyd)” as SONG OF THE YEAR. We are thrilled to be recognized. But really, this is a win for our late friend and songwriter of this important piece of music, Tom Prasada-Rao. RIP

We also would like to dedicate this win to #GeorgeFloyd and his family.

Tom wrote “$20 Bill” while undergoing chemo treatment from cancer diagnosed in 2019. TPR ended his fight with cancer on June 19th, 2024 as gracefully as he lived, inviting people who loved him to come from all over for one last visit.

His Fox Run Five bandmates presented a celebration of Tom Prasada-Rao at the Kerrville Folk Festival, where Jagoda shared, “Tom had a massive presence. But the thing about Tom was that his presence didn’t take up the room. It created space for everyone else. He was like a genie that comes out of a bottle. But he didn’t grant you three wishes. He just gave you exactly what you needed.”

Patty Prasada-Rao, Tom’s sister recently shared the following on Facebook (excerpts from 5/19/25 post):

“A year ago, our brother Tom Prasada-Rao was still here in the flesh, had just had a biopsy earlier in the month, and a flood of visitors bringing love and cheer. Jagoda had just left, having packed up Tom’s Wildwood Tofu Bar studio to keep making music in Utah, and I was getting ready to go to Kerrville. Wasn’t sure I should be leaving Tom, but he wanted me to go and take his love to everyone there since he couldn’t go himself. I knew then, in 2024, it might be the last KFF with Tom still breathing on this planet and was a special sweet time with many in the folk community that loved him so much.

And now, can’t believe it’s been 11 months since he said “I’m ready” and we said good-bye. And again, getting ready to head to the Ranch, that sacred ground, where Tom’s solo career took flight and where a growing community of folkies became family, for a chance to celebrate and honor Tom together.

For everyone, we are planning a VIRTUAL TRIBUTE TO TOM on Juneteenth, the evening of 6/19, one year since Tom was fully freed from any earthly bonds. It will be like a virtual version of the open mic tribute we didn’t get to do at the repast meal following Tom’s service. We hope many of you will join in celebrating Tom with us that evening.

Leaving you with Tom’s lovely rendition of an old hymn, “Oh love that will not let me go” – listen and remember that you are not alone and love is never in vain.

Love you big brother. I carry you in my heart always.”

Everyone is invited to join in to watch this virtual tribute on Juneteenth for Tom Prasada-Rao (projected to start around 6:30 pm eastern) including tributes and songs in honor of TPR. More info will be posted on Tom’s Facebook page prior to 6/19. Here is the zoom link if you’d like to join in this celebration: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81640443291?pwd=d3ubJQDgJvXElSmvwYCatm27o41lXP.1

debora Ewing writes, paints, and screams at the stars because the world is still screwed up. She improves what she can with music collaboration, peer-review at Consilience Poetry Journal, or designing books for Igneus Press. Follow @DebsValidation on X and Instagram. Read her self-distractions at FolkWorks.org and JerryJazzMusician.com.

Honoring Tom Prasada-Rao

Honoring Tom Prasada-Rao

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