Even as a small boy he loved music and began singing as a child. Tommy was born near Noble, Louisiana, and grew up on the family farm. His father, Perry Eli Cassel, was a fiddle player, he says, who often played for dances in private homes. Tommy was always interested in music, began signing as a child, and learned to play guitar. After graduating from Converse High School in 1943, Tommy came to Shreveport to work for Libbey-Owens-Ford Company. He married Virgilie Cox in 1950. They have one step-daughter and three grandchildren. Throughout his life here he continued his interest in music. He represented the local chapter of the American Federation of Musicians, served as a business agent, recorded four songs he wrote (including "Go Ahead On") and worked in several area bands, playing guitar, rhythm guitar, and harmonica. He also formed his own band, Tommy Cassell and the Sunset Riders, and played in several clubs around the area as well as on the "Louisiana Hayride." In his career he has met many stars including Elvis Presley, who played at Municipal Auditorium and "brought the house down that night," as Tommy recalls. He also met other country music personalities such as Slim Whitman, Roy Clark, and Faron Young.