Music Industry Entrepreneur Bob ‘Norton’ Thompson Passes

Bob ‘Norton’ Thompson

Bob Thompson, or “Norton” as he was known to many, passed away March 24 following a brief illness. He had also suffered from dementia for the last several years of his life. He was 80.

Thompson, alongside his wife Toni, owned the renowned Nashville rehearsal studio Soundcheck. The space was often utilized by stars such as Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, the Eagles, 38 Special, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Peter Frampton, and many more, to work out their stage shows before touring. He was beloved by the many performers and crew members who walked through the doors, and was very likely to be the first one to greet them and offer to lend a hand carrying equipment.

Thompson also worked on tours in the early days of his career as a roadie, stage manager and personal assistant alongside bands and artists including the Eagles, Ozzy Osbourne, Glenn Frey, Dan Fogelberg, Chicago, Jimmy Buffet, Fool’s Gold, and The Bellamy Brothers. His life and times on the road are described in his recent book Last Encore: My Time with Glenn Frey, the Eagles and other Hit Artists.

After spending much of his career on the road, Thompson and his wife opened Third Encore rehearsal studios in the San Fernando Valley in California in 1989 and later moved to Nashville, opening Soundcheck in 1993.

Thompson was a devoted father, grandfather, husband, protector, dog lover and a friend to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, daughter Summer Naylor, and grandson Carter Naylor. A private service will be scheduled, and a Go Fund Me account has been arranged to help the family with medical bills.