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{{short description|American singer (born 1942)}} {{short description|American singer (born 1942)}}
{{For|the professional basketball player|Carla Thomas (basketball)}} {{For|the professional basketball player|Carla Thomas (basketball)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
| name = Carla Thomas | name = Carla Thomas
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| instrument = ] | instrument = ]
| genre = {{flatlist| | genre = {{flatlist|
*] *]
*] *]
*] *]
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| website = | website =
}} }}
'''Carla Venita Thomas''' (born December 21, 1942)<ref name="Larkin"/> is an American ], who is often referred to as the Queen of ]. Thomas is best known for her 1960s recordings for ] and ] including the hits "]" (1960), "B-A-B-Y" (1966) and "Tramp" (1967), a duet with ]. She is the daughter of ]. '''Carla Venita Thomas''' (born December 21, 1942)<ref name="Larkin"/> is an American ], who is often referred to as the Queen of ]. She is best known for her 1960s recordings for ] and ] including the hits "]" (1960), "]" (1966) and "]" (1967), a duet with ]. She is the daughter of ].


==Biography== ==Biography==
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===Teen Town Singers=== ===Teen Town Singers===
In Memphis, the African-American-centered ] radio station sponsored a rotating musical group of high school students called the Teen Town Singers; notable alumni include Anita Louis and ]. 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. In Memphis, the African-American-centered ] radio station sponsored a rotating musical group of high school students called the Teen Town Singers; notable alumni include Anita Louis and ]. 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.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}


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.<ref name=name/> 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.<ref name=name/> 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.<ref name=name/> Despite the grueling schedule, she enjoyed the experience: "It was a lot of fun, it really was." She remained with the Teen Town Singers until the end of her senior year.<ref name=name/>


===1960s=== ===1960s===
] ]
Thomas is best known for the work she completed for both ] and most notably, ] in the 1960s. Her first record, "'Cause I Love You" (1960), was a duet with her father, with brother Marvell on keyboards, that was released by Satellite Records, which eventually became Stax Records.<ref name="Larkin"/> Recorded when Thomas was still attending Hamilton ] in Memphis, the record drew enough local attention to catch the interest of ] of ].{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} Thomas is best known for the work she completed for both ] and most notably, ] in the 1960s. Her first record, "'Cause I Love You" (1960), was a duet with her father, with brother Marvell on keyboards, that was released by Satellite Records, which eventually became Stax Records.<ref name="Larkin"/> Recorded when Thomas was still attending Hamilton ] in Memphis, the record drew enough local attention to catch the interest of ] of ].{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}


He signed a deal with the owners of Satellite Records, ] and ], to distribute "Cause I Love You" and thus paved the way for Thomas’ most famous single, "]",<ref name="Larkin"/> reaching number 10 on the pop chart and number 5 on the R&B chart. While she continued to have success on the R&B charts throughout the 1960s, her only other solo top 40 pop hit was "B-A-B-Y", reaching number 14 in 1966. Her duet, "Tramp", with ] reached number 26 on the pop chart the following year.and her album of duets with ], '']'', was a number 18 hit in the ].<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book|first=David|last=Roberts|year=2006|title=]|edition=19th|publisher=Guinness World Records Limited He signed a deal with the owners of Satellite Records, ] and ], to distribute "Cause I Love You" and thus paved the way for Thomas’ most famous single, "]",<ref name="Larkin"/> reaching number 10 on the pop chart and number 5 on the R&B chart. While she continued to have success on the R&B charts throughout the 1960s, her only other solo top 40 pop hit was "B-A-B-Y", reaching number 14 in 1966. Her duet, "Tramp", with ] reached number 26 on the pop chart the following year.and her album of duets with ], '']'', was a number 18 hit in the ].<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book |first=David|last=Roberts|year=2006|title=]|edition=19th|publisher=Guinness World Records Limited
| location= London, UK|isbn=1-904994-10-5|page=454}}</ref> | location= London, UK|isbn=1-904994-10-5|page=454}}</ref>


===="Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)"==== ===="Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)"====
Although this 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 ] in ]. 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 wrote when she was only 15 years old.<ref name=web/> The song was released by ] in October 1960, to not much fanfare.<ref name=name/> However, by February 1961, thanks to a distribution deal made between Satellite and Atlantic Records, the song was being distributed nationally through Atlantic just as Thomas was in the midst of her first year at Tennessee A&I University in Nashville. The success of the single also propelled Thomas into the spotlight, as she performed on '']''.<ref name=web/> 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”.<ref name=web>{{cite web|url=http://www.soultracks.com/carla_thomas.htm |title=Carla Thomas &#124; SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews |publisher=SoulTracks |access-date=2014-02-16}}</ref> Not only did this song provide a launching pad for Thomas' first album, but it also gave Stax Records national exposure and label recognition. Although this 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 ] in ]. 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 wrote when she was only 15 years old.<ref name=web/> The song was released by ] in October 1960, to not much fanfare.<ref name=name/> By February 1961, thanks to a distribution deal between Satellite and Atlantic Records, the song was being distributed nationally through Atlantic just as Thomas was in the midst of her first year at Tennessee A&I University in Nashville. The success of the single also propelled Thomas into the spotlight, as she performed on '']''.<ref name=web/> 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".<ref name=web>{{cite web |url=http://www.soultracks.com/carla_thomas.htm |title=Carla Thomas &#124; SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews |date=May 12, 2007 |publisher=SoulTracks |access-date=2014-02-16}}</ref> Not only did this song provide a launching pad for Thomas' first album, but it also gave Stax Records national exposure and label recognition.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}


===1970s–present=== ===1970s–present===
After her last Stax recording in 1971, '']'', and an appearance in '']'' in 1972, 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.<ref>Puterbaugh, Parke. "Where Are They Now – Carla Thomas." ''Rolling Stone'' Aug. 10, 1989: 55.</ref> In 1991, she appeared with her father at the ] Soul Festival.<ref name="Larkin"/> In 1993, Thomas was awarded the prestigious Pioneer Award, along with such musical heavyweights as ] and ], from the ] in honor of her career achievements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rhythm-n-blues.org/awards.php?year=1993 |title=Rhythm & Blues Foundation - Preserving America's Soul |publisher=Rhythm-n-blues.org |access-date=2014-02-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221184334/http://www.rhythm-n-blues.org/awards.php?year=1993 |archive-date=2014-02-21 }}</ref> She was also featured in the 2003 documentary ''Only the Strong Survive'', that was shown at the ] and showcased important Stax recording artists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308672|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=2014-02-16|title=Only the Strong Survive (2002)}}</ref> In 2021, Thomas featured on ]'s single "Call Me A Fool", which received a ] nomination for Best American Roots Song.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2022 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Nominations List|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2022-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Grammy|language=en}}</ref> After her last Stax recording in 1971, '']'', and an appearance in '']'' in 1972, Thomas slipped into relative obscurity when compared to her 1960s musical heyday. She featured in a number of modern-day projects, 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.<ref>Puterbaugh, Parke. "Where Are They Now – Carla Thomas." ''Rolling Stone'' Aug. 10, 1989: 55.</ref> In 1991, she appeared with her father at the ] Soul Festival.<ref name="Larkin"/> In 1993, Thomas was awarded the prestigious Pioneer Award, along with such musical heavyweights as ] and ], from the ] in honor of her career achievements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rhythm-n-blues.org/awards.php?year=1993 |title=Rhythm & Blues Foundation - Preserving America's Soul |publisher=Rhythm-n-blues.org |access-date=2014-02-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221184334/http://www.rhythm-n-blues.org/awards.php?year=1993 |archive-date=2014-02-21 }}</ref> She was also featured in the 2003 documentary ''Only the Strong Survive'', that was shown at the ] and showcased important Stax recording artists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308672|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=2014-02-16|title=Only the Strong Survive (2002)}}</ref> In 2021, Thomas featured on ]'s single "Call Me a Fool", which received a ] nomination for Best American Roots Song.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2022 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Nominations List|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2022-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Grammy|language=en}}</ref>


==Artistry== ==Artistry==
===Influences=== ===Influences===
Carla's biggest influence was her father, Rufus. Besides accompanying him during his 'MC' 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”.<ref name=web/> He was also instrumental in setting the stage for her Teen Town Singers gig and for actively pursuing and promoting her breakthrough single, "Gee Whiz". Carla's biggest influence was her father, Rufus. Besides accompanying him during his 'MC' 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”.<ref name=web/> He was also instrumental in setting the stage for her Teen Town Singers gig and for actively pursuing and promoting her breakthrough single, "Gee Whiz".{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}


Musically, Thomas was inspired by ] and ].<ref name=name/> Musically, Thomas was inspired by ] and ].<ref name=name/>
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==Discography== ==Discography==
===Studio albums=== ===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
*1961: ''Gee Whiz'' (Atlantic)
|-
*1965: ''Comfort Me'' (Stax) – US #134, R&B #11
! rowspan="2"| Year
*1966: ''Carla'' (Stax) – US #130, R&B #7, UK R&B #7<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/67/Record-Mirror-1967-04-29.pdf#page=11|title=BRITAIN'S TOP R&B ALBUMS|magazine=]|page=11|date=April 29, 1967|via=worldradiohistory.com|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}</ref>
! rowspan="2"| Album
*1967: ''The Queen Alone'' (Stax) – US #133, R&B #16
! colspan="3"| Peak chart positions
*1969: ''Memphis Queen'' (Stax) – US #151, R&B #26
! rowspan="2"| Label
*1971: ''Love Means...'' (Stax) – US #213, R&B #42
|-
! scope="col" style="width:2.6em; font-size:90%;"|]<br /><ref name="Awards">{{cite web|title=Carla Thomas - Awards|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/carla-thomas-mn0000170454/awards|publisher=]|access-date=October 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013015842/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/carla-thomas-mn0000170454/awards|archive-date=October 13, 2013}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:2.6em; font-size:90%;"|]<br /><ref name="Awards"/>
! scope="col" style="width:2.6em; font-size:90%;"|]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/67/Record-Mirror-1967-04-29.pdf#page=11|title=BRITAIN'S TOP R&B ALBUMS|magazine=]|page=11|date=April 29, 1967|via=worldradiohistory.com|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}</ref>
|-
| 1961
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Gee Whiz''
| align=center| —
| align=center| —
| align=center| —
| Atlantic
|-
| 1965
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Comfort Me''
| align=center| 134
| align=center| 11
| align=center| —
| rowspan="5"| Stax
|-
| 1966
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Carla''
| align=center| 130
| align=center| 7
| align=center| 7
|-
| 1967
| style="text-align:left;"| ''The Queen Alone''
| align=center| 133
| align=center| 16
| align=center| —
|-
| 1969
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Memphis Queen''
| align=center| 151
| align=center| 26
| align=center| —
|-
| 1971
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Love Means...''
| align=center| —
| align=center| 42
| align=center| —
|-
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center; font-size:9pt;"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart.
|}


===Live albums=== ===Live albums===
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{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name |+ List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:15em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" colspan="3"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" colspan="4"| Peak chart positions
! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:9em;"| ] ! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:9em;"| ]
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:9em;"| Album ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:9em;"| Album
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|- |-


! scope="col" style="width:2.6em; font-size:90%;"|]<br><ref name="Hot 100">{{cite web |title=The Supremes Chart History - Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/carla-thomas/chart-history/hsi/|website=] |access-date=June 10, 2022}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:2.6em; font-size:90%;"|]<br><ref name="Hot 100">{{cite magazine |title=Carla Thomas Chart History - Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/carla-thomas/chart-history/hsi/|magazine=] |access-date=June 10, 2022}}</ref>


! scope="col" style="width:2.6em; font-size:90%;"|]<br><ref name="R&B Songs">{{cite web |title=The Supremes Chart History - Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/carla-thomas/chart-history/bsi/ |website=] |access-date=June 10, 2022}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:2.6em; font-size:90%;"|]<br><ref name="R&B Songs">{{cite magazine |title=Carla Thomas Chart History - Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/carla-thomas/chart-history/bsi/ |magazine=] |access-date=June 10, 2022}}</ref>


! scope="col" style="width:2.5em; font-size:90%;"|]<br><ref name="UK">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/2562/otis-redding-and-carla-thomas/|title=OTIS REDDING & CARLA THOMAS {{!}} full Official Chart History {{!}} Official Charts Company|access-date=June 10, 2022|work=]}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:2.5em; font-size:90%;"|]<br><ref name="UK">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/2562/otis-redding-and-carla-thomas/|title=OTIS REDDING & CARLA THOMAS {{!}} full Official Chart History {{!}} Official Charts Company|access-date=June 10, 2022|work=]}}</ref>

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em; font-size:90%;"|]<br><ref name="UK R&B">

* For "I've Got No Time to Lose": {{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/65/Record-Mirror-1965-09-18.pdf#page=11|title=BRITAIN'S TOP R&B SINGLES|magazine=]|page=11|date=September 18, 1965|via=worldradiohistory.com|accessdate=June 10, 2022}}

* For "Tramp": {{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/67/Record-Mirror-1967-08-26.pdf#page=11|title=BRITAIN'S TOP R&B SINGLES|magazine=]|page=11|date=August 26, 1967|via=worldradiohistory.com|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}

*For "Knock on Wood": {{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/67/Record-Mirror-1967-10-21.pdf#page=11|title=BRITAIN'S TOP R&B SINGLES|magazine=]|page=11|date=October 21, 1967|via=worldradiohistory.com|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}

*For "Pick Up the Pieces": {{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/68/Record-Mirror-1968-03-09-S-OCR.pdf#page=15|title=BRITAIN'S TOP R&B SINGLES|magazine=]|page=11|date=March 9, 1968|via=worldradiohistory.com|accessdate=July 17, 2022}}

* For "Lovey Dovey":{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/68/Record-Mirror-1968-04-20.pdf#page=11|title=BRITAIN'S TOP R&B SINGLES|magazine=]|page=11|date=April 20, 1968|via=worldradiohistory.com|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}

</ref>


|- |-
! scope="row"| "Cause I Love You" <small>(with ])</small> ! scope="row"| "Cause I Love You"<br/><small>(with ])</small>
| rowspan="2"| 1960 | rowspan="2"| 1960
| — | —
| — | —
| — | —
| —
|
| |
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|- |-
! scope="row"| "]" ! scope="row"| "]"
| 10 | 10
| 5 | 5
| —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="2"| ''Gee Whiz''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "A Love of My Own" ! scope="row"| "A Love of My Own"
Line 127: Line 189:
| 20 | 20
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "I Didn't Believe" <small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small> ! scope="row"| "I Didn't Believe"<br/><small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small>
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="13" {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "(Mama, Mama) Wish Me Good Luck" ! scope="row"| "(Mama, Mama) Wish Me Good Luck"
Line 141: Line 204:
| — | —
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
Line 148: Line 211:
| — | —
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "I'll Bring it Home To You" ! scope="row"| "I'll Bring It Home to You"
| 1962 | 1962
| 41 | 41
| 9 | 9
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
Line 164: Line 227:
| 28 | 28
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
Line 171: Line 234:
| — | —
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"|''A-side'':<br> "That's Really Some Good" <small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small> ! scope="row"|''A-side'':<br> "That's Really Some Good"<br/><small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small>
| rowspan="4"| 1964 | rowspan="4"| 1964
| 92 | 92
| —<br/>{{efn|group=upper-alpha|name=Cashbox|From November 30, 1963 to January 23, 1965, the ''Billboard'' R&B singles chart was temporarily discontinued. ''Billboard'' determined it unnecessary due to so much crossover of titles between the R&B and pop charts in light of the rise of ]. The chart was reinstated as Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles on January 30, 1965. For the period in which no chart was published, ''Billboard'' now uses ] magazine's Top 50 In R&B Locations singles chart for data.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Whitburn, Joel.|title=Joel Whitburn presents top R & B/hip-hop singles, 1942-2004|publisher=Record Research Inc|others=Whitburn, Joel.|year=2004|isbn=0-89820-160-8|location=Menomonee Falls, Wis.|pages=13|oclc=56929854}}</ref>}} | 30<br/>{{efn|group=upper-alpha|name=Cashbox|From November 30, 1963 to January 23, 1965, the ''Billboard'' R&B singles chart was temporarily discontinued. ''Billboard'' determined it unnecessary due to so much crossover of titles between the R&B and pop charts in light of the rise of ]. The chart was reinstated as Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles on January 30, 1965. For the period in which no chart was published, ''Billboard'' now uses ] magazine's Top 50 In R&B Locations singles chart for data.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Whitburn, Joel.|title=Joel Whitburn presents top R & B/hip-hop singles, 1942-2004|publisher=Record Research Inc|others=Whitburn, Joel.|year=2004|isbn=0-89820-160-8|location=Menomonee Falls, Wis.|pages=13|oclc=56929854}}</ref>}}
| —
| — | —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| ''B-side'':<br>"]" <small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small> ! scope="row"| ''B-side'':<br>"]"<br/><small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small>
| 94 | 94
| —<br/>{{efn|group=upper-alpha|name=Cashbox}} | —<br/>{{efn|group=upper-alpha|name=Cashbox}}
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "I've Got No Time To Lose" ! scope="row"| "I've Got No Time to Lose"
| 67 | 67
| —<br/>{{efn|group=upper-alpha|name=Cashbox}} | 13<br/>{{efn|group=upper-alpha|name=Cashbox}}
| — | —
| | 9
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "A Woman's Love" ! scope="row"| "A Woman's Love"
| 71 | 71
| —<br/>{{efn|group=upper-alpha|name=Cashbox}} | 29<br/>{{efn|group=upper-alpha|name=Cashbox}}
| —
| — | —
|
| |
|- |-
Line 208: Line 271:
| 39 | 39
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
Line 215: Line 278:
| 30 | 30
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "When You Move You Lose" <small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small> ! scope="row"| "When You Move You Lose"<br/><small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small>
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| — | —
|
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Comfort Me" ! scope="row"| "Comfort Me"
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="1"| ''Comfort Me''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Birds & Bees" <small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small> ! scope="row"| "Birds & Bees"<br/><small>(with Rufus Thomas)</small>
| rowspan="4"| 1966 | rowspan="4"| 1966
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Let Me Be Good To You" ! scope="row"| "Let Me Be Good to You"
| 62 | 62
| 11 | 11
| —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="2"| ''Carla''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "]" ! scope="row"| "]"
| 14 | 14
| 3 | 3
| —
| — | —
| |
* RIAA: Gold<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web |title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=carla+thomas#search_section |website=] |access-date=June 10, 2022}}</ref> * RIAA: Gold<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web |title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=carla+thomas#search_section |website=] |access-date=June 10, 2022}}</ref>
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "All I Want For Christmas Is You" ! scope="row"| "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Something Good (Is Going To Happen To You)" ! scope="row"| "Something Good (Is Going to Happen to You)"
| rowspan="6"| 1967 | rowspan="6"| 1967
| 74 | 74
| 29 | 29
| —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="2"| ''The Queen Alone''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "When Tomorrow Comes" ! scope="row"| "When Tomorrow Comes"
Line 274: Line 341:
| — | —
| — | —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "]" <small>(with ])</small> ! scope="row"| "]"<br/><small>(with ])</small>
| 26 | 26
| 2 | 2
| 18 | 18
| 1
| |
| rowspan="1"| ''King & Queen''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "I'll Always Have Faith In You" ! scope="row"| "I'll Always Have Faith in You"
| 85 | 85
| 11 | 11
| —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="1"| ''The Queen Alone''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "]" <small>(with Otis Redding)</small> ! scope="row"| "]"<br/><small>(with Otis Redding)</small>
| 30 | 30
| 8 | 8
| 35 | 35
| 8
| |
| rowspan="1"| ''King & Queen''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Pick Up the Pieces" ! scope="row"| "Pick Up the Pieces"
Line 302: Line 371:
| 16 | 16
| — | —
| 15
| |
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "]" <small>(with Otis Redding)</small> ! scope="row"| "]"<br/><small>(with Otis Redding)</small>
| rowspan="3"| 1968 | rowspan="3"| 1968
| 60 | 60
| 21 | 21
| — | —
| 17
| |
| rowspan="1"| ''King & Queen''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "A Dime a Dozen" ! scope="row"| "A Dime a Dozen"
| 114 | 114
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "]" ! scope="row"| "]"
| 86 | 86
| 38 | 38
| —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="3"| ''Memphis Queen''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "I've Fallen In Love" ! scope="row"| "I've Fallen in Love"
| rowspan="5"| 1969 | rowspan="5"| 1969
| 117 | 117
| 36 | 36
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "I Like What You're Doing To Me" ! scope="row"| "I Like What You're Doing to Me"
| 49 | 49
| 9 | 9
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" <small>(with Otis Redding)</small> ! scope="row"| "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby"<br/><small>(with Otis Redding)</small>
| 109 | 109
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="1"| ''King & Queen''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Just Keep On Loving Me" <small>(with ])</small> ! scope="row"| "Just Keep On Loving Me"<br/><small>(with ])</small>
| 115 | 115
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="2" {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "I Need You Woman" <small>(with Johnnie Taylor)</small> ! scope="row"| "I Need You Woman"<br/><small>(with Johnnie Taylor)</small>
| 106 | 106
| — | —
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
Line 367: Line 442:
| 107 | 107
| 41 | 41
| —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="1"| ''Memphis Queen''
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Live In The City" ! scope="row"| "Live in the City"
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| rowspan="6" {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row"| "I Loved You Like I Love My Very Life" ! scope="row"| "I Loved You Like I Love My Very Life"
Line 383: Line 460:
| — | —
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "You've Got a Cushion To Fall On" ! scope="row"| "You've Got a Cushion to Fall On"
|rowspan="2"| 1972 |rowspan="2"| 1972
| — | —
| 49 | 49
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Sugar" ! scope="row"| "Sugar"
Line 398: Line 475:
| — | —
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
Line 406: Line 483:
| — | —
| — | —
| —
|
| |
|- |-
! scope="row"| "Love Among the People" ! scope="row"| "Love Among the People"
|1974 |1974
| —
| — | —
| — | —
| — | —
| |
| |-
| colspan="8" style="text-align:center; font-size:9pt;"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.
|} |}

Note that Billboard did not publish an R&B chart from late 1963 through early 1965.


===As featured artist=== ===As featured artist===
Line 428: Line 505:
! rowspan="2" |Album ! rowspan="2" |Album
|- |-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| ]<br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Carla Thomas Triple A Airplay Chart History|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/carla-thomas/chart-history/aaa/|access-date=May 24, 2021|website=Billboard}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| ]<br/><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Carla Thomas Triple A Airplay Chart History|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/carla-thomas/chart-history/aaa/|access-date=May 24, 2021|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row" | "Call Me A Fool" <br>{{small|(] featuring Carla Thomas)}} ! scope="row" | "Call Me a Fool" <br>{{small|(] featuring Carla Thomas)}}
|2021 |2021
|24 |24
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*] *]
*] *]

==Notes==
{{notelist-ua}}


==References== ==References==
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* *
* at ] ] * at ] ]
*{{Discogs artist}}


{{Carla Thomas}} {{Carla Thomas}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Carla}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Carla}}
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] ]
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Latest revision as of 14:45, 21 December 2024

American singer (born 1942) For the professional basketball player, see Carla Thomas (basketball).

Carla Thomas
Carla Thomas c. 1960sCarla Thomas c. 1960s
Background information
Birth nameCarla Venita Thomas
Born (1942-12-21) December 21, 1942 (age 82)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres
OccupationVocalist
InstrumentVocals
Years active1960–present
LabelsStax
Musical artist

Carla Venita Thomas (born December 21, 1942) is an American singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. She is best known for her 1960s recordings for Atlantic and Stax including the hits "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" (1960), "B-A-B-Y" (1966) and "Tramp" (1967), a duet with Otis Redding. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas.

Biography

Childhood

Thomas was born and raised in the Foote Homes Projects in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Along with her siblings, Marvell and Vaneese, she was one of three musical children of Rufus and Lorene Thomas. Despite growing up in the projects, the Thomas family lived near the Palace Theater on Beale Street, as Rufus was the theater's Master of Ceremonies (MC) 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 WDIA 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. Despite the grueling schedule, she enjoyed the experience: "It was a lot of fun, it really was." She remained with the Teen Town Singers until the end of her senior year.

1960s

Carla Thomas in 1966

Thomas is best known for the work she completed for both Atlantic Records and most notably, Stax Records in the 1960s. Her first record, "'Cause I Love You" (1960), 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)", reaching number 10 on the pop chart and number 5 on the R&B chart. While she continued to have success on the R&B charts throughout the 1960s, her only other solo top 40 pop hit was "B-A-B-Y", reaching number 14 in 1966. Her duet, "Tramp", with Otis Redding reached number 26 on the pop chart the following year.and her album of duets with Otis Redding, King & Queen, was a number 18 hit in the UK Albums Chart.

"Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)"

Although this 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 Records in Chicago. 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 wrote when she was only 15 years old. The song was released by Rufus and Carla in October 1960, to not much fanfare. By February 1961, thanks to a distribution deal between Satellite and Atlantic Records, the song was being distributed nationally through Atlantic just as Thomas was in the midst of her first year at Tennessee A&I University in Nashville. The success of the single also propelled Thomas into the spotlight, as she performed on American Bandstand. 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 for 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..., and an appearance in Wattstax in 1972, Thomas slipped into relative obscurity when compared to her 1960s musical heyday. She featured in a number of modern-day projects, 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 1991, she appeared with her father at the Porretta Terme Soul Festival. In 1993, Thomas was awarded the prestigious Pioneer Award, along with such musical heavyweights as James Brown 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 Survive, that was shown at the Cannes Film Festival and showcased important Stax recording artists. In 2021, Thomas featured on Valerie June's single "Call Me a Fool", which received a GRAMMY nomination for Best American Roots Song.

Artistry

Influences

Carla's biggest influence was her father, Rufus. Besides accompanying him during his 'MC' 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 in setting the stage for her Teen Town Singers gig and for actively pursuing and promoting her breakthrough single, "Gee Whiz".

Musically, Thomas was inspired by Jackie Wilson and Brenda Lee.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.

1968

"The Queen Alone" Best Female R&B Vocal Performance Nominated

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album Peak chart positions Label
US
 US R&B
 UK R&B
1961 Gee Whiz — — — Atlantic
1965 Comfort Me 134 11 — Stax
1966 Carla 130 7 7
1967 The Queen Alone 133 16 —
1969 Memphis Queen 151 26 —
1971 Love Means... — 42 —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Live albums

  • 2002: Live in Memphis (Memphis International)
  • 2007: Live at the Bohemian Caverns (Stax/Concord) recorded live May 27, 1967 in Washington, D.C.

Collaborations

Compilations

  • 1969: The Best of Carla Thomas (Stax) – US #190
  • 1994: Gee Whiz: The Best of Carla Thomas (Rhino)
  • 2004: Hidden Gems (Stax) previously unissued material recorded between 1960 and 1968

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
 US
R&B
/HH
 UK
 UK R&B
"Cause I Love You"
(with Rufus Thomas) 		1960 — — — — Non-album single
"Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" 10 5 — — Gee Whiz
"A Love of My Own" 1961 56 20 — —
"I Didn't Believe"
(with Rufus Thomas) 		— — — — Non-album single
"(Mama, Mama) Wish Me Good Luck" — — — —
"I Kinda Think He Does" — — — —
"I'll Bring It Home to You" 1962 41 9 — —
"What a Fool I've Been" 1963 93 28 — —
"Gee Whiz, It's Christmas" — — — —
A-side:
"That's Really Some Good"
(with Rufus Thomas) 		1964 92 30
 — —
B-side:
"Night Time Is the Right Time"
(with Rufus Thomas) 		94 —
 — —
"I've Got No Time to Lose" 67 13
 — 9
"A Woman's Love" 71 29
 — —
"How Do You Quit (Someone You Love)" 1965 — 39 — —
"Stop! Look What You're Doin'" 92 30 — —
"When You Move You Lose"
(with Rufus Thomas) 		— — — —
"Comfort Me" — — — — Comfort Me
"Birds & Bees"
(with Rufus Thomas) 		1966 — — — — Non-album single
"Let Me Be Good to You" 62 11 — — Carla
"B-A-B-Y" 14 3 — —
  • RIAA: Gold
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" — — — — Non-album single
"Something Good (Is Going to Happen to You)" 1967 74 29 — — The Queen Alone
"When Tomorrow Comes" 99 — —
"Tramp"
(with Otis Redding) 		26 2 18 1 King & Queen
"I'll Always Have Faith in You" 85 11 — — The Queen Alone
"Knock on Wood"
(with Otis Redding) 		30 8 35 8 King & Queen
"Pick Up the Pieces" 68 16 — 15 Non-album single
"Lovey Dovey"
(with Otis Redding) 		1968 60 21 — 17 King & Queen
"A Dime a Dozen" 114 — — — Non-album single
"Where Do I Go?" 86 38 — — Memphis Queen
"I've Fallen in Love" 1969 117 36 — —
"I Like What You're Doing to Me" 49 9 — —
"When Something Is Wrong with My Baby"
(with Otis Redding) 		109 — — — King & Queen
"Just Keep On Loving Me"
(with Johnnie Taylor) 		115 — — — Non-album single
"I Need You Woman"
(with Johnnie Taylor) 		106 — — —
"Guide Me Well" 1970 107 41 — — Memphis Queen
"Live in the City" — — — — Non-album single
"I Loved You Like I Love My Very Life" 1971 — — — —
"You've Got a Cushion to Fall On" 1972 — 49 — —
"Sugar" — — — —
"I May Not Be All You Want (But I'm All You Got)" 1973 — — — —
"Love Among the People" 1974 — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

As featured artist

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
AAA
"Call Me a Fool"
(Valerie June featuring Carla Thomas) 		2021 24 The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers

See also

Notes

  1. ^ From November 30, 1963 to January 23, 1965, the Billboard R&B singles chart was temporarily discontinued. Billboard determined it unnecessary due to so much crossover of titles between the R&B and pop charts in light of the rise of Motown. The chart was reinstated as Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles on January 30, 1965. For the period in which no chart was published, Billboard now uses Cash Box magazine's Top 50 In R&B Locations singles chart for data.

References

  1. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. p. 1175. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
  2. ^ Freeland, David. "Carla Thomas – Memphis's Reluctant Soul Queen". Ladies of Soul. University Press of Mississippi, 2001. pp. 56–75.
  3. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London, UK: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 454. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  4. ^ "Carla Thomas | SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews". SoulTracks. May 12, 2007. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  5. Puterbaugh, Parke. "Where Are They Now – Carla Thomas." Rolling Stone Aug. 10, 1989: 55.
  6. "Rhythm & Blues Foundation - Preserving America's Soul". Rhythm-n-blues.org. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  7. "Only the Strong Survive (2002)". IMDb.com. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  8. "2022 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Nominations List". Grammy. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  9. ^ "Carla Thomas - Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on October 13, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  10. "BRITAIN'S TOP R&B ALBUMS" (PDF). Record Mirror. April 29, 1967. p. 11. Retrieved January 28, 2022 – via worldradiohistory.com.
  11. "Carla Thomas Chart History - Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  12. "Carla Thomas Chart History - Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  13. "OTIS REDDING & CARLA THOMAS | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  15. Whitburn, Joel. (2004). Joel Whitburn presents top R & B/hip-hop singles, 1942-2004. Whitburn, Joel. Menomonee Falls, Wis.: Record Research Inc. p. 13. ISBN 0-89820-160-8. OCLC 56929854.
  16. "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". RIAA. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  17. "Carla Thomas Triple A Airplay Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved May 24, 2021.

External links

Carla Thomas
Albums
Singles
Songs
Related articles
Stax/Volt Records
Major figures
Related articles
Categories: