Middleton, Tom
Websites:Â
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Origin:
Victoria, British Columbia, đ¨đŚ
Biography:
Photos courtesy Royal City Music Project
Tom Middleton is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician, best known for his contributions to the Canadian pop music scene in the 1970s. A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Middleton first made his mark as a member of the local band The Marquis before embarking on a solo career that saw him release two well-received albums with Columbia Records.
Early Career: The Marquis
Middletonâs musical journey began with The Marquis, a band that toured extensively throughout British Columbia and Western Canada during the late 1960s. Featuring members like Jerry Adophe (later of Chilliwack and Jim Byrnes), the band performed popular covers and developed a loyal regional following before disbanding in 1969.
Solo Career: Breaking Out
Following the breakup of The Marquis, Middleton pursued a solo career. In 1971, he approached local broadcaster Michael Easton for guidance, which led to a management contract and a deal with Columbia Records. Through his collaboration with producer Mike Flicker and manager Howard Leese (both associated with the band Heart), Middleton recorded his debut album, It Wouldnât Have Made Any Difference, in 1973.
The albumâs title track, "It Wouldnât Have Made Any Difference", written by Todd Rundgren, became Middletonâs most significant hit, spending 15 weeks on the RPM Top 100 Singles chart and breaking into the Canadian Top 40. A fan of Rundgren once noted, âIâve been a Todd Rundgren fan since the mid-70s, but it was Tom Middletonâs version of Toddâs âIt Wouldnât Have Made Any Differenceâ that I heard first, and I still like it better than the original.â Middleton also recorded another Rundgren song, "Just One Victory," which, while not as impactful as his rendition of the title track, remains a strong addition to his catalog. Both tracks were recorded in Vancouver in 1973, showcasing Middletonâs ability to reinterpret and bring new life to established material.
The album also included tracks like "Just One Victory" and "One More Chance," further solidifying Middletonâs reputation as a talented pop artist.
Second Album: One Night Lovers
In 1976, Middleton released his sophomore album, One Night Lovers. Produced by Bob Gallo, the album leaned into light pop with rich harmonies and polished production. The title track, written by Paul Davis, reached #35 on the charts, followed by "I Need a Harbor for My Soul," which also received moderate radio play. Despite the success of these singles, Columbia Records opted not to renew Middletonâs contract later that year, prompting his early retirement from the music industry.
Later Years: Reunions and Performances
Although he stepped away from professional music, Middleton reunited with The Marquis in 1990 for a fundraiser and continued to make occasional appearances at blues and jazz festivals, as well as club dates along Canadaâs west coast. By the mid-2000s, Middleton had largely retired from music, turning his focus to a career with Canada Post.
Legacy
Tom Middletonâs brief but impactful career left a mark on Canadian pop music, particularly with his standout single "It Wouldnât Have Made Any Difference". His blend of melodic pop and heartfelt lyrics, combined with his engaging live performances, cemented his reputation as one of Victoriaâs notable contributions to Canadaâs music scene. His version of Todd Rundgrenâs "It Wouldnât Have Made Any Difference" remains a fan favorite, often regarded as superior to the original. Today, Middletonâs music continues to resonate with fans of 1970s Canadian pop.
