Carla Thomas
Born (1942-12-21) December 21, 1942 (age 69)
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Genres Memphis soul
Southern soul
Soul
Occupations Vocalist
Instruments Vocals
Labels Stax
Associated acts Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding

Carla Thomas (born December 21, 1942, Memphis, Tennessee) is an American singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas.

Contents

Biography [link]

Childhood [link]

Carla Thomas was born on December 21, 1942, in the Foote Homes Housing Project in Memphis, 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.[1] 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 [link]

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.[1] However, despite this grueling schedule, Thomas thoroughly enjoyed the experience. According to her, “It was a lot of fun, it really was.”[1] She remained with the Teen Town Singers up until the end of her senior year.[1]

1960s [link]

Although Thomas would release albums in the 1990s and in the 2000s, she 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 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).[2] During this time Carla also released what is now considered[citation needed] to be one of the finest "Northern Soul" records of all time, "I'll Never Stop Loving You". Her album of duets with Otis Redding was a big hit in Great Britain.

[edit] 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 Records 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.[2] The song was released in October, 1960, to not much fanfare.[1] 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.[2] 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”.[2] 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 [link]

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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]

Influences [link]

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”.[2] 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.[1]

Discography [link]

Albums [link]

  • 1961: Gee Whiz (Atlantic)
  • 1965: Comfort Me (Stax) – US #134, R&B #11
  • 1966: Carla (Stax) – US #130, R&B #7
  • 1967: King & Queen (with Otis Redding) (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 [link]

Year Single Chart positions
US US
R&B
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 an R&B chart from late 1963 through early 1965.

External links [link]

See also [link]

References [link]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Freeland, David. "Carla Thomas – Memphis's Reluctant Soul Queen". Ladies of Soul. University Press of Mississippi, 2001. 56–75.
  2. ^ a b c d e [1]
  3. ^ Puterbaugh, Parke. "Where Are They Now – Carla Thomas." Rolling Stone Aug. 10, 1989: 55.
  4. ^ [2]
  5. ^ [3]
Major figures
Major artists
(Atlantic years)
Major artists
(Post-Atlantic)
Isaac Hayes · David Porter · Eddie Floyd · Johnnie Taylor · The Rance Allen Group · The Soul Children · The Staple Singers · The Temprees · The Emotions · Mel & Tim · The Bar-Kays · Linda Lyndell · Richard Pryor · Bill Cosby · William Bell · Little Milton · Jesse Jackson · Big Star
Modern Stax artists
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References

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    Podcasts:

    Carla Thomas

    ALBUMS

    The Platinum Collection

    Released 2007

    Stax Profiles: Carla Thomas

    Released 2006

    Gee Whiz and Other Hits

    Released 1997

    Sugar

    Released 1994

    Gee Whiz: The Best of Carla Thomas

    Released 1994

    Love Means...

    Released 1971

    The Queen Alone

    Released 1969

    Memphis Queen

    Released 1969

    King & Queen

    Released 1967

    Carla

    Released 1966

    Gee Whiz

    Released 1961

    Live at the Bohemian Caverns

    Comfort Me

    Chronicle

    Email this Page Play all in Full Screen Show More Related Videos
    PLAYLIST TIME:

    I've Got No Time To Lose

    by: Carla Thomas

    No time to lose, no time to lose
    Lord, ain't got no time to lose
    I've got to find my man
    Make him understand
    I've got to try and see
    If he'll come back to me
    I've got no time, whoa, no time
    No time to lose, no time to lose
    I was a fool, I was a fool
    Lord, I was such a poor fool
    For I believe in him
    Grieve in him
    I've got to find that guy
    And apologize
    I've got no time, whoa, no time
    No time to lose, no time to lose
    No time to lose, no time to lose
    Oh, he was right
    When he told me, he said, ‽Woman
    You're gonna miss me when I'm gone”
    Tell him I'm sorry
    Tell him I'm sorry, tell him I'm sorry
    Won't somebody please tell him I'm sorry
    And if you see my man
    Tell him I'm sorry
    And if he needs me
    Tell him to send for me
    I've got no time, whoa, no time
    No time to lose, no time to lose
    I got no time to lose, no time to lose
    Whoa, no time, no time to lose
    I got no time to lose, no time to lose
    Whoa, no time, no time to lose
    I got no time to lose, no time to lose




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