Jamo Thomas facts for kids

Jamo Thomas is an American soul and funk singer. He is best known for his 1966 hit song, "I Spy (For the FBI)".

Jamo Thomas was born in either The Bahamas or Chicago. He recorded music for many different record labels between 1965 and 1976. Sometimes, his music was released under his name with his backing band, the Party Brothers Orchestra. Other times, he was simply called Mr. Jamo. His most successful songs were "Bahama Mama" and his popular version of "I Spy (For the FBI)".

Music Career Highlights

In the late 1950s, Jamo Thomas played percussion for a group called the Bobby Peterson Quintet. Later, in the early 1960s, he moved to Chicago.

First Recordings

In 1965, Jamo Thomas recorded his first single, "Stop the Baby". This song was released on a small record label called Conlo Records. The famous singer Jerry Butler helped produce the song. At that time, Thomas worked for Jerry Butler as his driver and also played percussion in his band.

The Hit Song "I Spy (For the FBI)"

Jamo Thomas's next recording was "I Spy (For the FBI)". This song was released in 1966 on the small Thomas record label. It became a hit, reaching number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 1969, the song was re-released in the UK. It then reached number 44 on the UK Singles Chart. This was his only song to appear on these major music charts. The song was written by Herman Kelley and Richard "Popcorn" Wylie. Another singer, Luther Ingram, had recorded the song a few months before Thomas's version.

Later Music Work

After his hit song, Thomas moved to Philadelphia. He recorded music for Perception Records. By 1972, he was working to promote music for Stax Records. His main recording career mostly ended in the mid-1970s.

However, Jamo Thomas later helped arrange music for a gospel album by Ella Washington. In 1983, he released a 12-inch single called "(My Jive) Backstabbing Friend". His voice was also used at the beginning of the song "Scream" on the 1979 album Star Walk by Graham Central Station.

Songs on Compilations

Jamo Thomas's music has been included on many different compilation albums over the years. Some of these include Spy Magazine Presents: Spy Music, Vol. 1 (1994), Chess Club Rhythm & Soul (1996), and Shake What You Brought! SSS Soul Collection (2005).

Besides Jamo Thomas's and Luther Ingram's versions, "I Spy (For the FBI)" has also been recorded by other bands. These include The Untouchables, Blue Rondo à la Turk, and John Hiatt.

Discography

Here is a list of some of the songs Jamo Thomas released:

• "Stop the Baby" b/w "Let's Party" (Conlo Records) (1965)
• "I Spy (For the FBI)" b/w "Snake Hip Mama" (Thomas Records) (1966)
• "Arrest Me" b/w "Jamo Soul" (Thomas Records) (1966)
• "Must I Holler" b/w "I'll Be Your Fool" (Chess) (1966)
• "Nassau Daddy" b/w "Jive Mother-in-Law" (Sound Stage 7) (1967)
• "Bahama Mama (Part 1)" b/w "Bahama Mama (Part 2)" (Sound Stage 7) (1967)
• "Education Is Where It's At (Part 1)" b/w "Education Is Where It's At (Part 2)" (Decca) (1968)
• "Shake What You Brought With You (Part 1)" b/w "Shake What You Brought With You (Part 2)" (Perception) (1970)
• "You Just Ain't Ready (Part 1)" b/w "You Just Ain't Ready (Part 2)" (SSS International) (1970)