Tom McFarland, 59; Musician Helped Revive Seattle’s Blues Scene

Tom McFarland, 59, a well-traveled blues shouter, guitar player and composer who played a vital role in reviving Seattle’s blues scene in the 1970s, died Sept. 3 at his home in West Valley, Utah.

McFarland performed with such blues greats as Charlie Musselwhite, Otis Rush and Isaac Scott. His signature tune was “Going Back to Oakland,” recorded in 1987 on the album “Just Got In From Portland.”

Other albums were “Voodoo Garden” and the highly regarded “Travelin’ With the Blues,” recorded in 1978.

McFarland was born in Los Angeles, grew up in Grants Pass, Ore., and went to Seattle in 1973. A few years later, he moved to San Francisco, where he recorded for Arhoolie Records and began touring with Lightnin’ Hopkins, Musselwhite and Rush.

He later lived in various parts of the country.