About THE AUTHOR

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Tommy Ess has spent much of his life on the road—not searching for a destination, but discovering the stories that connect us along the way.

Since 2004, he has led hundreds of multi-day tours across the United States and beyond, connecting travelers with America's history, national parks, and remarkable places. Along his journey he has come to realize that every life has a soundtrack. Certain songs have a way of transporting us back to a specific moment, a familiar face, or a turning point we never forgot.

My Life Is a Lyric: Music, Memory, and a Life on the Road is Tommy's first book. Through stories of family, resilience, friendship, travel, and an unexpected open-heart surgery, he reflects on the experiences that shaped him and the music that gave those moments lasting meaning. Rather than celebrating famous people or extraordinary accomplishments, his memoir honors the beauty found in an ordinary life lived with curiosity, gratitude, and purpose.

A graduate of Fordham University with a master's degree in Public Communications, Tommy previously worked with NBA Entertainment before finding his true calling helping others discover the world through travel. He has also volunteered as a Big Brother since 1997, believing that some of life's greatest journeys begin with simply showing up for others.

Tommy lives in the New York City area and continues to lead tours, collect stories, and believe music can always help connect us to our wonderful world.

To learn more, download a FREE preview chapter, The Weight.