In her later career she took a large chunk of time to talk with younger people and educate them in what it means to be successful in the arts and particularly in music. It’s evident that Carla Thomas influenced many people. Her other biggest musical inspirations were Jackie Wilson and Brenda Lee. The two worked together on many projects and she expressed that she always felt supported by him. He believed in her talent and her ability to sing from the very beginning of her musical journey. Thomas was always heavily influenced by her father, Rufus Thomas. She continues to reside in Memphis today. In 1993, Thomas was awarded the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation along with her peers such as James Brown and Solomon Burke. And in the 1980s, she went on tour and became involved with a program called “Artists in the Schools.” The Memphis-based project provides schoolchildren the ability to talk to successful artists. She has released recordings of live performances, including a long lost recording from 1967 at the Bohemian Caverns. Īfterwards, she went on to add her touch to many other projects.
Thomas’ last Stax Records recording was in 1971 for her album Love Means. LATER LIFE AND CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY While working for Stax records, Thomas went on to release some of her most well known songs such as “Gee Wiz (Look at His Eyes),” “B-A-B-Y,” and “Tramp.” Each of these songs achieved massive successes in both the R&B and pop charts. While this song was recorded under Stax Records, it also attracted the attention of Atlantic Records who signed her on while she was still in high school. Her first recorded song, “Cause I Love You” was a duet with her father. Over the years, her talent only grew stronger. She continued participating as a part of the Teen Town Singers through her senior year of high school. While Thomas was only ten at the time, she was able to join the group as an exception since her father also worked as an on-air personality for WDIA.
This was a group of musically talented high school students sponsored by WDIA, the local African-American centered radio station. This was one of the places in which she was first introduced to the world of music and performance.Īnother time she was given the opportunity to practice her musical talents was through the Teen Town Singers. Growing up, she lived near the Palace Theater on Beale Street where her father, Rufus Thomas, was the Master of Ceremonies.
Her extensive relationship with music began at a young age. Thomas was born on December 21st, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. Continue reading to learn about Carla Thomas ' music career and lasting influence.īIOGRAPHY CARLA THOMAS’ LIFE AND LIFELONG CONNECTION TO MUSICĬarla Thomas, known to many as the “Queen of Memphis Soul,” is an American icon who has contributed to the world of music not just through her style, but also through the space she carved out in the music industry for generations of artists to come. Step inside the vault to discover the life and legacy of some of the world's greatest soul artists, both past and present.
Carla thomas series#
To celebrate Black Music Month, we are excited to be bringing back our Vault of Soul series by spotlighting a soul artist every Thursday of June.
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