As a journalist, Tom Aswell reported the news of Louisiana for more than twenty-five years. His interest in the broadcasting field was piqued while working at his hometown newspaper. The experience served as a learning tool, one that propelled him into his career as a journalist. He has since worked as a reporter and editor for multiple Louisiana newspapers including the Baton Rouge Advocate, Ruston Daily Leader, and Monroe News-Star. He also owned his own news service for eight years.

Aswell has always had a passion for music, particularly music native to the South. Working part time as a radio disc jockey during college ignited his zeal for music. Utilizing the vast music selection afforded a disc jockey at a radio station, Aswell educated himself on the origins, histories, and legends associated with the many genres of Southern music.

Aswell graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1970 with a B.A. in journalism. After his discharge from the United States Air Force, he owned and coached a semi-pro baseball team, worked for a telephone company, taught defensive driving classes, and has worked for the State of Louisiana, Office of Risk Management. As a hobby, he workede3 as a stand-up comedian for the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Baton Rouge and was named the funniest person in Louisiana in 1992. He lives with his wife, Betty, in Denham Springs, Louisiana. They have three daughters that reside within seven miles of their home and six grandchildren.