Carla Thomas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carla Thomas
Carla Thomas around the 1960s
Background information
Birth name	Carla Venita Thomas
Born	(1942-12-21) December 21, 1942 (age 82) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres	R&B Memphis soul Southern soul soul
Occupation(s)	Vocalist
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1960–present
Labels	Stax
Associated acts	Rufus Thomas Otis Redding

Carla Venita Thomas (born December 21, 1942) is an American singer known as the "Queen of Memphis Soul." She became famous in the 1960s for her hit songs on the Stax label.

Some of her most famous songs include "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" (1960), "B-A-B-Y" (1966), and "Tramp" (1967). "Tramp" was a popular duet she sang with the legendary Otis Redding. Carla is also the daughter of another famous musician, Rufus Thomas.

A Musical Life

Early Years in Memphis

Carla Thomas was born in Memphis, Tennessee. She grew up with her brother Marvell and sister Vaneese. Their father, Rufus Thomas, was a well-known entertainer in Memphis. He was the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for amateur talent shows at the Palace Theater on Beale Street.

Because her father worked at the theater, Carla got to see the world of music up close from a young age. This experience helped her become a star.

Singing as a Teenager

In Memphis, a radio station called WDIA had a special singing group for high school students called the Teen Town Singers. Many talented people, like Isaac Hayes, were part of this group.

Even though you were supposed to be in high school to join, Carla became a member in 1952 when she was only 10 years old. Her father worked at the radio station, which helped her get in. Being in the group was hard work. She had to go to school, do her homework, and also attend rehearsals twice a week. On Saturdays, she performed at the station.

Despite the busy schedule, Carla loved it. She said, "It was a lot of fun, it really was." She stayed with the Teen Town Singers until she graduated from high school.

Becoming a Star in the 1960s

Carla Thomas in 1966

Carla Thomas is most famous for the music she made in the 1960s with Stax Records. Her first record was a duet with her father called "'Cause I Love You" (1960). Her brother Marvell even played keyboards on the song.

The record was made while Carla was still in high school. It became so popular in Memphis that it got the attention of Jerry Wexler from Atlantic Records. He made a deal to share the song with the whole country. This led to Carla's biggest hit, "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)."

"Gee Whiz" was a huge success. It reached number 10 on the pop music chart and number 5 on the R&B chart. Throughout the 1960s, Carla had many more hits. Her song "B-A-B-Y" (1966) was another big pop hit. Her duet "Tramp" with Otis Redding was also very popular. Her album of duets with Otis, King & Queen, was a big hit in the United Kingdom.

The Story of "Gee Whiz"

Carla wrote "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" when she was just 15 years old. At first, her father tried to get a record label in Chicago interested, but they didn't follow up.

Rufus Thomas believed in the song, so he brought it back to Memphis. In the summer of 1960, Carla recorded the song. It was released in October but didn't get much attention at first.

By February 1961, the song was released across the country. It became a huge hit while Carla was a freshman in college. She even got to perform on the popular TV show American Bandstand. The song's success helped make both Carla Thomas and Stax Records famous nationwide.

Later Career and Helping Others

After the 1970s, Carla Thomas was not in the spotlight as much as she was in the 1960s. However, she continued to be involved in music and her community.

She took part in the “Artists in the Schools” program in Memphis. This program allowed successful artists to visit schools and talk to students about music and performing.

In 1993, she received the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation for her amazing career. In 2021, she was featured on the song "Call Me a Fool" by Valerie June. The song was nominated for a GRAMMY Award.

Musical Style and Influences

Carla's biggest influence was her father, Rufus. He encouraged her to sing and helped her get started in the music business. He was the one who promoted her first big hit, "Gee Whiz."

She was also inspired by other musicians, including Jackie Wilson and Brenda Lee.

Awards and Nominations

Grammy Awards

Discography

Here are some of Carla Thomas's most important albums and hit singles.

Studio Albums

• Gee Whiz (1961)
• Comfort Me (1965)
• Carla (1966)
• The Queen Alone (1967)
• Memphis Queen (1969)
• Love Means... (1971)

Collaboration Album

• King & Queen (1967) (with Otis Redding)

Famous Singles

See also

In Spanish: Carla Thomas para niños

• Rufus and Carla
• Marvell Thomas