Inside The Rocker Chic Home Of Styx's Tommy Shaw
After two decades of living in Los Angeles and touring around the world, Tommy and Jeanne Shaw were ready to return to their Southern roots. For years, the couple—he grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and she in Clarksville—had been checking on real estate in the Nashville area, waiting for the right time and place. In 2011, Tommy, the guitarist and singer for Styx, recorded his first solo bluegrass album here and fell in love with the city’s energy. Two years later, the Shaws sold their L.A. compound and bought a home in Oak Hill.
Tucked off the road, the 11,000-square-foot property sits on a four-and-a-half-acre lot that includes a pond, pool, and garden, providing just the sort of tranquil setting the couple was craving in contrast to their jet-set lifestyle (Tommy performed more than 100 shows last year). At first, they were overwhelmed by the size. Jeanne says she didn’t even want to look at it, but after viewing 50 houses, she decided to give it a chance. They loved the vibe of the home, which once belonged to disco legend Donna Summer. Even though it needed a complete overhaul, the Shaws paid homage to Summer by keeping certain design elements on display.
Jeanne, who oversees Styx merchandise and helps with Rock to the Rescue, a nonprofit founded by Styx and REO Speedwagon and run by Tommy’s daughter, Hannah, has renovated 18 homes in their 21 years together, ranging from a mobile home on the beach to multimillion dollar estates. The result of her most recent project is a collection of distinct rooms that flow easily and are constantly put to use.
See more of Tommy's home at nashvillelifestyles.com!
Written By: Suzanne Corey
Photos By: Shannon Fontaine
