Forrest (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Forrest
Background information
Birth name	Forrest Melvill Thomas Jr.
Born	(1953-04-21)April 21, 1953 Galveston, Texas, United States
Died	September 9, 2013(2013-09-09) (aged 60) Tilburg, Netherlands
Genres	Soul funk post-disco
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1982–2013
Labels	Ariola Records
Associated acts	The Limit

Forrest Melvill Thomas Jr. (born April 21, 1953 – died September 9, 2013), known by his stage name Forrest, was an American singer. He became famous for his soulful voice and lived in the Netherlands for much of his career.

Forrest's Early Life and Music Career

Forrest was born in Galveston, Texas. As a child, he loved to sing in church. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Los Angeles, California. There, he won many singing contests, showing off his amazing talent.

Moving to the Netherlands and First Hits

After these early successes, Forrest moved to the Netherlands. This is where his music career really took off! In 1983, he had a huge hit song called "Rock the Boat." This song was a cover of a popular song from 1974 by the Hues Corporation.

Forrest's version of "Rock the Boat" was very popular. It reached number 4 on the music charts in the United Kingdom. It also reached number 9 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart in his home country, the United States.

More Popular Songs

Forrest released another single called "Feel the Need in Me." This song was originally by the Detroit Emeralds. It also became a hit in the UK, reaching number 17 on the charts. A third song, "One Lover (Don't Stop The Show)," reached number 67 in the UK.

Music and Family Life

Forrest was married to Manon Thomas [nl], who is a television presenter. They had two sons together. After some time, they separated, and Forrest decided to focus more on his music career again.

In 2001, he performed in a theatre show called R.E.S.P.E.C.T. This show celebrated soul music from the 1960s. Later, a DJ named Roog asked Forrest to be the singer for his band, Planet Hardsoul. They had a small hit with their cover of the song "Where Did Our Love Go."

In December 2012, Forrest married again, to Diana van Lippen.

Forrest's Passing

Sadly, Forrest passed away on September 9, 2013. He was 60 years old. He died from a stroke in a hospital in Tilburg, Netherlands.

Forrest's Music

Forrest released one main album and several singles during his career.

Albums

• One Lover (Ariola Records, 1983)

Singles

• "Rock the Boat" (1982) - This was his biggest hit!
• "Dancing with My Shadow" (1983)
• "One Lover (Don't Stop the Show)" (1983)
• "Feel the Need in Me" (1983)
• "Dance All Night" (1984)
• "She's So Divine" (1984)
• "She's So Free" (1986)
• "Valerie" (1987)
• "You Got What It Takes" (1989)
• "Rock the Boat '89" (1989)
• "Feelin' Alright" (1989)