During this time, Tom began to build, repair or embellish the guitars, mandolins, and banjos that were favored by bluegrass musicians. He worked with and inspired other now-legendary musicians such as David Grisman, Bill Keith, and the Seldom Scene. area, Tom performed with bluegrass legends Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, The Country Gentlemen, Red Allen & Frank Wakefield, Bernarr Buzz Busby, Bill Harrell, Mike Seeger, Hazel Dickens, and Alice Gerrard. bluegrass community during the peak of its creative contributions to that style. Morgan became an important figure in the Washington D.C. After brief postings in Texas and New York, he was assigned to duty in Washington D.C., which was, at that time, a major hub of activity in the bluegrass music scene. Following his university studies, Tom enlisted in the Air Force. While in that city, he began learning to play the upright bass and guitar, crossing paths with many veteran country musicians and radio personalities such as Lowell Blanchard and Cas Walker. In 1950, Morgan enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Throughout his childhood, Morgan continued his efforts to play and sing while he absorbed country music and bluegrass through the many radio shows that appeared on stations such as WDOD, WDXB, and the well-known Grand Ole Opry on WSM. He became interested in country music early in life and was deeply influenced by family members, as well as by musical friends and neighbors, such as banjo player Ed Cullis. Pioneer bluegrass musician, luthier, and educator, Tom Morgan, was born in Morgan Springs, Tennessee on April 19, 1932.