Tommy McLain obit

Louisiana swamp pop legend Tommy McLain dies at 85

Musician known for 1966 hit ‘Sweet Dreams’ passes away peacefully Thursday morning

 He was not on the list.

Tommy McLain, a beloved swamp pop musician whose 1966 hit “Sweet Dreams” reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, died peacefully Thursday morning at age 85.

The McLain Family announced his passing in a social media post, saying he “departed peacefully on the morning of 7/24/25 at the age of 85.”

“It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father Tommy McLain,” the family said. “He was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed but, the music he made will live on in the hearts and minds of his fans, friends, and family. It will be his legacy.”

Born March 15, 1940, in Jonesville, Louisiana, McLain became a cornerstone of Louisiana’s musical heritage, mastering multiple instruments including keyboards, drums, bass guitar, and fiddle. His career spanned more than seven decades, beginning in the 1950s when he performed alongside country singer Clint West.

McLain’s breakthrough came with “Sweet Dreams,” which not only climbed to No. 15 on the U.S. charts but also reached No. 49 in the UK.

Beyond his recordings, McLain penned Freddy Fender’s hit single “If You Don’t Love Me Alone (Leave Me Alone)” and appeared in the film “The Drowning Pool” with his backing group, the Mule Train Band. He also performed on Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars in the 1960s and worked as a DJ at Louisiana radio station KREH.

The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inducted McLain in October 2007.

McLain remained active in recent years, releasing his first album in over 40 years, “I Ran Down Every Dream,” in August 2022. The collaboration featured 11 songs written by McLain and included contributions from Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Jon Cleary, and Ivan Neville.

Most recently, McLain appeared on “A Tribute to the King of Zydeco,” a tribute album honoring Louisiana zydeco pioneer Clifton Chenier. The album, recorded in Lafayette under the Valcour Records label, featured The Rolling Stones alongside McLain and other Louisiana artists, including Charley Crockett, Lucinda Williams, and Sonny Landreth.

McLain continued performing throughout with the Mule Train Band until his passing.