Carla Thomas
Encyclopedia
Carla Thomas is an American
singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul
. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas
.
, Tennessee
. Her parents, Rufus and Lorene Thomas, brought three musically gifted children into this world: Carla, Marvell and Vaneese. Despite growing up in the projects, the Thomas family lived in close proximity to the locally celebrated Palace Theater on world-famous
Beale Street
, as Rufus was the theater’s emcee for their amateur shows. This access not only gave Thomas her first taste of the music world but it also provided a springboard for her transformation into the Queen of the Memphis Sound.
radio station sponsored a rotating musical group of high school students called the Teen Town Singers; notable alumni include Anita Louis and Isaac Hayes
. Although the requirements to join the Teen Town Singers stated that the person should be of high school age, Thomas became a member in 1952 at the age of 10. She was able to sneak into their ranks thanks to the fact that her father Rufus was an on-air personality for the radio station.
This opportunity with the Teen Town Singers did not come without its drawbacks though. As a 10 year old student, Thomas was responsible for not only attending classes and completing her schoolwork, but she also had to attend rehearsals on Wednesdays and Fridays after school and then perform at the station on Saturday. However, despite this grueling schedule, Thomas thoroughly enjoyed the experience. According to her, “It was a lot of fun, it really was.” She remained with the Teen Town Singers up until the end of her senior year.
and most notably, Stax Records
in the 1960s. Her first record, Cause I Love You was a duet with her father, with brother Marvell on keyboards, that was released by Satellite Records, which eventually became Stax Records. Recorded when Thomas was still attending Hamilton High School in Memphis, the record drew enough local attention to catch the interest of Jerry Wexler
of Atlantic Records. He signed a deal with the owners of Satellite Records, Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton
, to distribute Cause I Love You and thus paved the way for Thomas’ most famous single, Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes). During this time Carla also released what is now considered to be one of the finest "Northern Soul" records of all time, "I'll Never Stop Loving You".
in Chicago
. Despite their interest, Vee-Jay never followed through or actively pursued securing the distribution rights. Because of his belief in the song's potential, Rufus returned to Memphis and in the summer of 1960, Thomas would cut the teen love song that she penned when she was only 15 years old. The song was released in October, 1960, to not much fanfare. However, by February 1961, the song was being distributed nationally through Atlantic Records just as Thomas was in the midst of her first year at Tennessee A&I University in Nashville. The overwhelming success of the single also propelled Thomas into the visual spotlight as she performed on American Bandstand
. Despite its success, Thomas was still amazed at the song’s popularity. According to Thomas, “The record was young-sounding, romantic and it expressed what a lot of people wanted to say at that age, but still, I was surprised at how well it did”. Not only did this song provide a launching pad to Thomas' first album, but it also gave Stax Records national exposure and label recognition.
and Solomon Burke
, from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in honor of her career achievements. She was also featured in the 2003 documentary, Only the Strong Will Survive that was shown at the Cannes Film Festival
and showcased important Stax recording artists.
Musically, Carla was inspired by Jackie Wilson and legendary country singer, Brenda Lee
.
Note that Billboard did not publish and R&B chart from late 1963 through early 1965.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul
Memphis soul
Memphis soul, also known as Memphis Sound, is stylish, funky, uptown soul music that is not as hard-edged as Southern soul. It is a shimmering, sultry style produced in the 1960s and 1970s at Stax and Hi Records in Memphis, Tennessee, featuring melodic unison horn lines, organ, bass, and a driving...
. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas
Rufus Thomas
Rufus Thomas, Jr. was an American rhythm and blues, funk and soul singer and comedian fromMemphis, Tennessee, who recorded on Sun Records in the...
.
Childhood
Carla Thomas was born on December 21, 1942, in the Foote Homes Housing Project in MemphisMemphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
, Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
. Her parents, Rufus and Lorene Thomas, brought three musically gifted children into this world: Carla, Marvell and Vaneese. Despite growing up in the projects, the Thomas family lived in close proximity to the locally celebrated Palace Theater on world-famous
Beale Street
Beale Street
Beale Street is a street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, which runs from the Mississippi River to East Street, a distance of approximately . It is a significant location in the city's history, as well as in the history of the blues. Today, the blues clubs and restaurants that line Beale Street are...
, as Rufus was the theater’s emcee for their amateur shows. This access not only gave Thomas her first taste of the music world but it also provided a springboard for her transformation into the Queen of the Memphis Sound.
Teen Town Singers
In Memphis, the African American centered WDIAWDIA
WDIA is an AM radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States of America. Its radio frequency is 1070 kHz. In 1962 it became the first U.S. radio station programmed by African-Americans, though its ownership was white.-History:...
radio station sponsored a rotating musical group of high school students called the Teen Town Singers; notable alumni include Anita Louis and Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
. Although the requirements to join the Teen Town Singers stated that the person should be of high school age, Thomas became a member in 1952 at the age of 10. She was able to sneak into their ranks thanks to the fact that her father Rufus was an on-air personality for the radio station.
This opportunity with the Teen Town Singers did not come without its drawbacks though. As a 10 year old student, Thomas was responsible for not only attending classes and completing her schoolwork, but she also had to attend rehearsals on Wednesdays and Fridays after school and then perform at the station on Saturday. However, despite this grueling schedule, Thomas thoroughly enjoyed the experience. According to her, “It was a lot of fun, it really was.” She remained with the Teen Town Singers up until the end of her senior year.
1960s
Although Thomas would release albums in the 1990s and in the 2000s, she is best known for the work she completed for both Atlantic RecordsAtlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
and most notably, Stax Records
Stax Records
Stax Records is an American record label, originally based in Memphis, Tennessee.Founded in 1957 as Satellite Records, the name Stax Records was adopted in 1961. The label was a major factor in the creation of the Southern soul and Memphis soul music styles, also releasing gospel, funk, jazz, and...
in the 1960s. Her first record, Cause I Love You was a duet with her father, with brother Marvell on keyboards, that was released by Satellite Records, which eventually became Stax Records. Recorded when Thomas was still attending Hamilton High School in Memphis, the record drew enough local attention to catch the interest of Jerry Wexler
Jerry Wexler
Gerald "Jerry" Wexler was a music journalist turned music producer, and was regarded as one of the major record industry players behind music from the 1950s through the 1980s...
of Atlantic Records. He signed a deal with the owners of Satellite Records, Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton
Estelle Axton
Estelle Axton was the co-founder, with her brother Jim Stewart, of Stax Records.Born in Middleton, Tennessee, Estelle Stewart grew up on a farm...
, to distribute Cause I Love You and thus paved the way for Thomas’ most famous single, Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes). During this time Carla also released what is now considered to be one of the finest "Northern Soul" records of all time, "I'll Never Stop Loving You".
Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)
Although this iconic single would eventually chart within the Top 10 on the pop chart and within the Top 5 on the R&B chart, it had an inauspicious beginning. Initially recorded at the Thomas family home, Rufus shopped the song to Vee-Jay RecordsVee-Jay Records
Vee-Jay Records is a record label founded in the 1950s, specializing in blues, jazz, rhythm and blues and rock and roll. It was owned and operated by African Americans.-History:...
in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. Despite their interest, Vee-Jay never followed through or actively pursued securing the distribution rights. Because of his belief in the song's potential, Rufus returned to Memphis and in the summer of 1960, Thomas would cut the teen love song that she penned when she was only 15 years old. The song was released in October, 1960, to not much fanfare. However, by February 1961, the song was being distributed nationally through Atlantic Records just as Thomas was in the midst of her first year at Tennessee A&I University in Nashville. The overwhelming success of the single also propelled Thomas into the visual spotlight as she performed on American Bandstand
American Bandstand
American Bandstand is an American music-performance show that aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989 and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark, who also served as producer...
. Despite its success, Thomas was still amazed at the song’s popularity. According to Thomas, “The record was young-sounding, romantic and it expressed what a lot of people wanted to say at that age, but still, I was surprised at how well it did”. Not only did this song provide a launching pad to Thomas' first album, but it also gave Stax Records national exposure and label recognition.
1970s - present
After her last Stax recording in 1971, Love Means, Thomas slipped into relative obscurity when compared to her 1960s musical heyday. However, she was featured in a number of modern-day projects, notably including a 1994 compilation of her greatest hits, a 2002 live recording of a Memphis performance and the 2007 release Live at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington, D.C., a long lost live recording of Thomas in 1967. She would also occasionally tour during the 1980s and became heavily involved in the “Artists in the Schools” program that provided Memphis schoolchildren with access to successful artists. These workshops were organized to talk to teenagers about music, performing arts and drug abuse. In 1993, Thomas was awarded the prestigious Pioneer Award, along with such musical heavyweights as James BrownJames Brown
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
and Solomon Burke
Solomon Burke
Solomon Burke was an American singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, mortician, and an archbishop of the United House of Prayer For All People. Burke was known as "King Solomon", the "King of Rock 'n' Soul", and as the "Bishop of Soul", and described as "the Muhammad Ali of soul", and as "the most...
, from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in honor of her career achievements. She was also featured in the 2003 documentary, Only the Strong Will Survive that was shown at the Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes International Film Festival , is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres including documentaries from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is among the world's most prestigious and publicized film festivals...
and showcased important Stax recording artists.
Influences
Understandably, probably Carla’s biggest influence was her father, Rufus. Besides accompanying him during his emcee days at the Palace Theater, Rufus also encouraged and believed in his daughter’s ability. According to Carla, “My dad probably discovered I could sing before I did”. He was also instrumental and setting the stage for her Teen Town Singers gig and for actively pursuing and promoting her breakthrough single, Gee Whiz.Musically, Carla was inspired by Jackie Wilson and legendary country singer, Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee
Brenda Mae Tarpley , known as Brenda Lee, is an American performer who sang rockabilly, pop and country music, and had 37 US chart hits during the 1960s, a number surpassed only by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Ray Charles and Connie Francis...
.
Albums
- 1961: Gee Whiz (Atlantic)
- 1966: Carla (Stax) - US #130, R&B #7
- 1966: Comfort Me (Stax) - US #134, R&B #11
- 1967: King & QueenKing & Queen-Personnel:*Joe Arnold – alto sax*Steve Cropper – guitar*Donald "Duck" Dunn – bass*Isaac Hayes – keyboards*Al Jackson, Jr. – drums*Wayne Jackson – trumpet*Booker T. Jones – keyboards*Andrew Love – tenor sax...
(with Otis ReddingOtis ReddingOtis Ray Redding, Jr. was an American soul singer-songwriter, record producer, arranger and talent scout. He is considered one of the major figures in soul and R&B...
) (Stax) - US #36, R&B #5 - 1967: The Queen Alone (Stax) - US #133, R&B #16
- 1969: Memphis Queen (Stax) - US #151, R&B #26
- 1969: The Best of Carla Thomas (Stax) - US #190
- 1971: Love Means... (Stax) - US #213, R&B #42
- 1994: Carla Thomas (Castle)
- 1994: Gee Whiz: The Best of Carla Thomas (Rhino)
- 2002: Live in Memphis (Memphis Int'l)
- 2007: Bohemian Cavern (Stax)
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
US R&B Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,... |
||
| 1960 | "Cause I Love You" (with Rufus Thomas) | - | - |
| "Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)" | 10 | 5 | |
| 1961 | "A Love of My Own" | 56 | 20 |
| "I Didn't Believe" (with Rufus Thomas) | - | - | |
| "(Mama, Mama) Wish Me Good Luck" | - | - | |
| "I Kinda Think He Does" | - | - | |
| 1962 | "I'll Bring it Home To You" | 41 | 9 |
| 1963 | "What a Fool I've Been" | 93 | 28 |
| "Gee Whiz, It's Christmas" | - | - | |
| 1964 | A-side: "That's Really Some Good" (with Rufus Thomas) |
92 | * |
| B-side: " Night Time Is the Right Time" (with Rufus Thomas) |
94 | * | |
| "I've Got No Time To Lose" | 67 | * | |
| "A Woman's Love" | 71 | * | |
| 1965 | "How Do You Quit (Someone You Love)" | - | 39 |
| "Stop! Look What You're Doin'" | 92 | 30 | |
| "When You Move You Lose" (with Rufus Thomas) | - | - | |
| "Comfort Me" | - | - | |
| 1966 | "Birds & Bees" (with Rufus Thomas) | - | - |
| "Let Me Be Good To You" | 62 | 11 | |
| "B-A-B-Y" | 14 | 3 | |
| "All I Want For Christmas Is You" | - | - | |
| 1967 | "Something Good (Is Going To Happen To You)" | 74 | 29 |
| "When Tomorrow Comes" | 99 | - | |
| "Tramp" (with Otis Redding) | 26 | 2 | |
| "I'll Always Have Faith In You" | 85 | 11 | |
| "Knock On Wood" (with Otis Redding) | 30 | 8 | |
| "Pick Up the Pieces" | 68 | 16 | |
| 1968 | "Lovey Dovey" (with Otis Redding) | 60 | 21 |
| "A Dime a Dozen" | 114 | - | |
| "Where Do I Go" | 86 | 38 | |
| 1969 | "I've Fallen In Love" | 117 | 36 |
| "I Like What You're Doing To Me" | 49 | 9 | |
| "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" (with Otis Redding) | 109 | - | |
| "Just Keep On Loving Me" (with Johnnie Taylor) | 115 | - | |
| "I Need You Woman" (with Johnnie Taylor) | 106 | - | |
| 1970 | "Guide Me Well" | 107 | 41 |
| "Live In The City" | - | - | |
| 1971 | "I Loved You Like I Love My Very Life" | - | - |
| 1972 | "You've Got a Cushion To Fall On" | - | 49 |
| "Sugar" | - | - | |
| 1973 | "I May Not Be All You Want (But I'm All You Got)" | - | - |
| 1974 | "Love Among the People" | - | - |
Note that Billboard did not publish and R&B chart from late 1963 through early 1965.
External links
- Stax Records fansite with Carla Thomas discography
- Carla Thomas biography at Oldies.com
- [ Carla Thomas] at Allmusic websiteWebsiteA website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...