It’s Wednesday which means we are celebrating our alumni! Today we are featuring Thomas ‘Tawgs’ Salter from the class of 1994. It’s no secret that we have some pretty talented musicians who currently attend Ridley and also who have gone on to do some amazing things in the music industry once they have left the Ridley gates – Salter is no exception! Read on to learn more about today’s Ridleian of Distinction:

‘Tawgs’ Salter is a Canadian musician, songwriter, producer and recording engineer. His extensive body of musical work includes a vast array of artists ranging from Josh Groban, Lights and Lenka to Chantal Kreviazuk, Fefe Dobson, Midway State and USS. Salter has also worked alongside Grammy-winning writer/producer Walter Afanasieff, Salter’s music, production and collaborations have been featured on numerous television shows, including Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol and The Simpsons – as well as films. Salter’s writing and production of the soaring pop ballad You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up), Josh Groban’s first single from his multi-platinum selling third studio album Awake, reached #9 on the Adult Contemporary Billboard chart. The song was sung by Lisa Simpson on the television show The Simpsons.

On December 15, 2009, Canadian singer-songwriter LIGHTS was acknowledged with two No.1 song awards by SOCAN, alongside writing partner Salter, who helped her pen her smash hits Drive My Soul and Saviour. Drive My Soul reached the top spot on MuchMusic Countdown on January 8, 2009. In 2012, Salter produced Drive, the debut song of American actor and singer Cheyenne Jackson.

To view a complete list of Ridleians of Distinction or to nominate a Ridleian of Distinction, please click here.