B. J. Thomas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids B. J. Thomas
Thomas in March 1972
Background information
Birth name	Billy Joe Thomas
Born	(1942-08-07)August 7, 1942 Hugo, Oklahoma, U.S.
Origin	Houston, Texas, U.S.
Died	May 29, 2021(2021-05-29) (aged 78) Arlington, Texas, U.S.
Genres	Country, pop, contemporary Christian, rock
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1966–2021
Labels	Scepter, Myrrh, Columbia, ABC, Paramount, MCA

Billy Joe Thomas (born August 7, 1942 – died May 29, 2021), known as B. J. Thomas, was an American singer. He was famous for his popular songs in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. His music included pop, country, and Christian styles.

Some of his most popular songs were "Hooked on a Feeling" (1968), "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" (1969), and "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" (1975). In 2014, his song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Music Start

B. J. Thomas was born in Hugo, Oklahoma, on August 7, 1942. He grew up in and around Houston, Texas. As a teenager, he sang in a church choir. He also joined a band called The Triumphs.

In the early 1960s, his band, The Triumphs, often competed in "Battle of the Bands" events. These were fun music competitions.

Music Career Highlights

Becoming a Star in the 1960s and 1970s

In 1966, B. J. Thomas and The Triumphs released a song called "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". It was a cover of a Hank Williams song. This song sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc. A gold disc means a lot of records were sold!

In 1968, Thomas became even more famous with "The Eyes of a New York Woman". Soon after, his song "Hooked on a Feeling" became his second song to sell over a million copies.

A year later, in 1969, he sang "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" for the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This song won an Academy Award for best original song. It also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This was his third song to sell over a million copies.

Other popular songs from this time included "I Just Can't Help Believing" and "Rock and Roll Lullaby".

In 1975, B. J. Thomas had another big hit with "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song". This song was number one on the Hot 100 chart. It was also his fourth gold record.

Around 1976, B. J. Thomas began singing Christian music. His album Home Where I Belong was very successful. It was the first Christian album to sell over a million copies, earning a platinum award. B. J. Thomas became one of the most popular Christian music artists. Even with his new focus, he still enjoyed singing his earlier popular songs for his fans.

His last song to reach the Top 40 pop charts was "Don't Worry Baby".

Country Hits and TV Themes in the 1980s and 2010s

In the 1980s, B. J. Thomas had many successful songs on the country music charts. Two of his country number one hits were "Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love" and "New Looks from an Old Lover" in 1983.

In 1981, B. J. Thomas became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry is a famous country music show in Nashville, Tennessee.

He also sang the theme song for the popular TV show Growing Pains, called "As Long as We Got Each Other". He sang it alone at first, then with other singers like Jennifer Warnes and Dusty Springfield.

Thomas in December 2012

B. J. Thomas also wrote two books. He appeared in movies like Jory and Jake's Corner. His voice was also used in many TV commercials for big companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

In 2013, he released an album called The Living Room Sessions. This album featured acoustic versions of his famous songs.

In 2014, his classic song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame. This is a special honor for important recordings.

Personal Life

B. J. Thomas married singer-songwriter Gloria Richardson in 1968. They had three daughters: Paige, Nora, and Erin.

B. J. Thomas passed away on May 29, 2021, at his home in Arlington, Texas. He was 78 years old.

Selective Discography

• On My Way (1968)
• Longhorns & Londonbridges (1974)
• Reunion (1975)
• You Gave Me Love (When Nobody Gave Me a Prayer) (1979)
• Love Shines (1983)
• Love to Burn (2007)
• The Living Room Sessions (2013)

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: B. J. Thomas para niños