Irma Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irma Thomas
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Thomas in 2011
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Irma Lee |
| Also known as | Soul Queen of New Orleans |
| Born | February 18, 1941 Ponchatoula, Louisiana, U.S. |
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| Occupation(s) |
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| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1959–present |
| Labels | |
Irma Thomas, born Irma Lee on February 18, 1941, is a famous American singer from New Orleans. She is often called the "Soul Queen of New Orleans" because of her amazing voice.
Irma Thomas sang around the same time as other great artists like Aretha Franklin and Etta James. While she didn't become as famous as them, she had a long and successful career. In 2007, she won her first Grammy Award for After the Rain. This was a big achievement after more than 50 years of singing.
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Early Life and Start in Music
Irma Lee was born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, United States. Her father, Percy Lee, worked with steel, and her mother, Vader Lee, was a maid. When she was a teenager, Irma sang in her Baptist church choir. She even tried out for a record company called Specialty Records when she was only 13 years old.
By the time she was 19, Irma was married with four children. She kept her second husband's last name, Thomas. She worked as a waitress in New Orleans. Sometimes, she would sing with a band led by Tommy Ridgley. He helped her get a record deal with a local company called Ron. Her first song, "Don't Mess with My Man," came out in late 1959. It became a hit, reaching number 22 on the US Billboard R&B chart.
Rising to Fame
After her first hit, Irma Thomas started recording with the Minit label. She worked with a talented songwriter and producer named Allen Toussaint. Together, they created popular songs like "It's Raining" and "Ruler of My Heart." Another famous singer, Otis Redding, later sang his own version of "Ruler of My Heart," calling it "Pain in My Heart."
In 1963, Imperial Records bought Minit. This led to more successful songs for Irma. Her biggest national hit was "Wish Someone Would Care." The other side of that record was "Breakaway." This song was written by Jackie DeShannon and Sharon Sheely. Many artists, including Tracey Ullman, later covered "Breakaway."
Another well-known song, "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)," was co-written by a young Randy Newman. This song has become popular again because it was used in many episodes of the TV show Black Mirror. The other side of this record was "Time Is on My Side." This song was also recorded by Kai Winding and later by the famous band, the Rolling Stones.
Irma's first four songs with Imperial Records made it onto Billboard's pop chart. However, her later songs were not as successful. Unlike singers like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, Irma Thomas never became a huge mainstream pop star.
Later Career and Achievements
Irma Thomas recorded for Chess Records in 1967 and 1968. Her version of the Otis Redding song "Good to Me" was a hit on the R&B chart. She then moved to California and released music on smaller labels. Later, she returned to Louisiana. In the early 1980s, she opened her own club called the Lion's Den.
In 1986, the independent film Down by Law used "It's Raining" in its soundtrack. The actors Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi danced to the song in the movie.
After a break from recording, Irma Thomas signed with Rounder Records. In 1991, she received her first Grammy Award nomination for her album Live! Simply the Best. She then released several gospel albums, along with more regular music. Her album Sing It! was nominated for a Grammy in 1999.
Irma Thomas continued to perform in 2021. She often appeared at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She was even chosen as the Queen of the Krewe du Vieux for the 1998 New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Her own club closed after Hurricane Katrina. This storm caused her to move to Gonzales, Louisiana, about 60 miles from New Orleans. By April 2008, she was back in her New Orleans home.
Irma Thomas was featured in the 2005 documentary film Make It Funky!. This movie explored the history of New Orleans music. In the film, she sang "Old Records" with Allen Toussaint.
In April 2007, Irma Thomas was honored for her contributions to Louisiana music. She was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Also in 2007, she sang "I Just Can't Get New Orleans Off My Mind" with Marcia Ball for Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino. That same year, she won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for After the Rain.
In August 2009, a special album called The Soul Queen of New Orleans: 50th Anniversary Celebration was released. It had three new songs and celebrated her 50 years as a recording artist.
Irma Thomas was the subject of the 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival poster. Artist Douglas Bourgeois painted her in 2006. In 2010, she rode in the New Orleans parade "Grela." She also performed in Australia that year.
In 2011, Irma Thomas performed twice at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia. She won the "Soul Blues Female Artist" award at the Blues Music Awards in 2013 and 2014. In 2018, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance at the Americana Music Honors & Awards.
On May 2, 2024, Irma Thomas performed with the Rolling Stones at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She sang a duet of her 1964 hit song "Time Is On My Side" with Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones also recorded this song shortly after her version came out. This was the first time Irma Thomas and the Rolling Stones performed together.
In 2025, Irma Thomas released an album called Audience with the Queen with the New Orleans band Galactic.
Artists She Worked With
Irma Thomas has worked with many talented musicians throughout her career, including:
- Tommy Ridgley
- Allen Toussaint
- Marcia Ball
- Dr. John
- Hugh Laurie
Musical Influences
Irma Thomas was inspired by many great artists, such as:
Images for kids
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Thomas in 2008
See also
In Spanish: Irma Thomas para niños
