Brianna Thomas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brianna Thomas
Brianna Thomas at the Richmond Folk Festival in 2018
Background information
Born	Peoria, Illinois, United States
Genres	Jazz
Occupation(s)	Vocalist, band leader, singer, songwriter, educator

Brianna Thomas is an American jazz singer, songwriter, and band leader. She was born and grew up in Peoria, Illinois. Brianna started singing at just six years old. Her father, Charlie Thomas, was also a drummer and vocalist.

Music critic Will Friedwald calls her one of the best young jazz singers. Brianna is known for mixing different American music styles. She blends bluegrass with jazz, funk, rock, and soul music. People say her voice is very strong and has a huge range.

She often sings songs by early female blues and jazz pioneers. These include legends like Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Ethel Waters. Her first album, You Must Believe in Love (2015), received great reviews. All About Jazz magazine said she was "the complete package."

Brianna is often compared to famous jazz singers like Sarah Vaughan and Dianne Reeves. She is especially good at 1930s-style Swing music. She performs regularly at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Brianna is known for her down-to-earth style. She brings many musical flavors to her performances. These include gospel, blues, funk, and classic swing music.

Brianna's Early Life and Music Journey

Brianna grew up surrounded by music. She remembers going to clubs where her dad performed when she was only two. She also attended rehearsals at home. Her first time singing on stage was at age six. She sang "What A Wonderful World" as a duet with her father.

As a teenager, Brianna toured Europe with a Big Band. By the time she was 16, she performed at major events. These included the Montreux, North Sea, and Umbria Jazz Festivals. She won her first music trophy at age eight. From ages eight to ten, she performed at many events. She also appeared as a guest on local radio stations. Brianna worked with jazz educator Mary Jo Papich. She even toured Europe with the Peoria Jazz All-Stars.

Brianna Thomas's Music Career

Brianna Thomas has performed with many famous jazz artists. Some of these include Wynton Marsalis, Clark Terry, and Houston Person. She also performed with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Brianna joined Wynton Marsalis for a special lecture series. This series was held at Harvard University.

She also teaches jazz history to students in New York City schools. This is part of the "Jazz For Young People Program." Brianna has performed at many international music festivals. These include events in Switzerland, the Bahamas, and Russia. She was a resident artist for the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Programs in 2001 and 2002. This program brings jazz musicians together to perform new songs.

In 2006, Brianna made her New York City debut. This was at the Women in Jazz Festival. It took place at Dizzy’s Club – Jazz at Lincoln Center. She also made a guest appearance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

In 2007, Brianna moved to New York City. She studied at the School of Jazz (The New School). There, she met pianist Gordon Webster. She became a featured singer in his swing band. Brianna has performed all over the world. She has sung in New York, California, Canada, Korea, and Russia.

Brianna has shared the stage with many talented musicians. Some of these include Russell Malone (guitarist) and Dianne Reeves (vocalist). Her own group, The Brianna Thomas Quartet, includes talented musicians. They play piano, bass, drums, trumpet, and more.

In 2009, she won the "Best of the Best" award. This was at New York’s Jazzmobile Vocal Competition. In 2014, Brianna became a musical ambassador. She toured Southeast Asia as part of the "American Music Abroad" program. In 2018, she performed at the Richmond Folk Festival.

Awards and Recognitions

Brianna Thomas has received several awards for her musical talent:

• 1996: African-American Hall of Fame - Peoria, Illinois
• 2001: "High School Jazz Vocalist of the Year" award from Down Beat magazine
• 2009: Won the "Best of the Best" award at The Jazzmobile in New York

Discography

• 2014: You Must Believe in Love – This was her first CD. It featured musicians like Allyn Johnson, Yasushi Nakamura, and Ulysses Owens.