One man’s music did more than fill rooms — it shaped generations. For decades, Tommy Bejado helped define the sound, the soul, and the future of Guam’s music scene. We continue our look at the life and legacy of a man who turned talent into purpose — and passion into possibility.

Before the spotlight. Before the stage. There was a young musician with a piano — and a vision. Bejado’s career spans more than 50 years, beginning in the 1970s with local bands that laid the foundation for what would become Guam’s modern music industry.

From tropical lounges to hotel stages, from jazz fusion groups to cultural showcases,  his sound evolved — but his purpose never did. Musician Rich Arroyo said, "When he started to venture out into the younger group started to know who he was. Stel Star Productions. That was his company. Everyone knows Stel Star and he produced a very unique voice- Koby Garrido and the band was first issue and their hit was Move Your Body -  it was a hit and it was Thomas ' work that did that."

As a producer, Thomas helped change what was possible on island.  He produced some of Guam’s most iconic recordings — music that became anthems of identity and pride. "When I worked with him in the studio, the first time I met him in studio, with our Emmaues choir from Cathedral. I tell you my beat was supposed to be 80 and I was playing 100. He was able to fix everything up. I just knew this was a humble musician," he said.

His work preserved Chamorro language and culture, not as something frozen in time but as something living growing and relevant. But ask anyone who knows him — Bejado’s greatest legacy isn’t just what he recorded, it’s who he lifted.

Musician Louise Muna said, "Tommy spoke really highly of JJ, he played a significant role in my life." And and JJ Concepcion said, "He made me the boy I am today - professionally and personally."

As a mentor and teacher, he opened doors for countless young artists —offering vocal training, songwriting guidance, and, most importantly, belief.

Concepcion said, "He directed a lot of our arrangements . He always said he wanted to make The Radiants sound like a full orchestra band. And he would add in all these beautiful melodies, progressions that we probably wouldn't have done before."

He didn’t just teach music, as they said, "Sometimes it be a little bit hard to understand, he theory of music was just exceptional."

He taught confidence. "Personally when he started singing or playing with me when we were doing lounge music, that's where Tommy elevated my love for jazz, my love for blues. And my vocal quality too. Match his level of expertise," they said.

That same creative spirit extended beyond the studio. Thomas directed and produced major concerts and cultural events  - from Chamorro Diva Night, to FESTPAC showcases, to the South Pacific Games, each production was a statement.

That local talent deserved a world-class stage. In recent years, Thomas continued to evolve —up until his passing, he was still performing…still creating…still inspiring. "He's irreplaceable . It's hard to replace him."

His impact lives not only in recordings and stages — but in the memories of his family. The confidence of musicians…musician Monica San Nicolas and Tommy's cousin said, "There's so many he's dealt with and choirs he's touched. There's so much I don't know about my cousin. He kind of remains a mystery. But I do know he is very loving. Loved great food, great music, he loved his children, he loved his family."

A true champion for Guam’s creative soul.