Marvell Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marvell Thomas
|
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ronald Marvell Thomas |
| Born | August 22, 1941 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | January 23, 2017 (aged 75) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Memphis soul |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Keyboards |
| Labels | Stax |
Ronald Marvell Thomas was a talented American musician. He was born on August 22, 1941, and passed away on January 23, 2017. Marvell was especially known for playing the keyboards. He also helped produce and arrange many songs. His work was very important in a music style called Memphis soul.
His Amazing Music Career
Marvell Thomas was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He started his music career in a recording studio when he was just 17 years old. He was the very first piano player to work regularly at Stax Records. This was a famous record company.
He played on some of Stax's earliest national hit songs. These included "Burnt Biscuits" and "You Don't Miss Your Water" by his childhood friend William Bell. He also played on the company's first big hit, "Cause I Love You." This song featured a young Booker T. Jones on saxophone. It was a duet by Marvell's father, Rufus Thomas, and his sister, Carla Thomas.
Marvell also played on recording sessions for other famous artists. These included Wilson Pickett at Stax and at Muscle Shoals. He also worked with Clarence Carter, Eddie Hinton, and Denise LaSalle.
Marvell Thomas often worked as a keyboard player and an arranger. An arranger helps decide how the instruments will sound together in a song. He appeared on albums by many artists. Some of these were Johnnie Taylor, The Staple Singers, Little Milton, The Emotions, Albert King, Mavis Staples, Yvonne Elliman, and Etta James.
He also helped produce the very popular album Hot Buttered Soul for Isaac Hayes. Marvell played keyboards on this album too. He toured with famous groups like The Temptations. He also worked as a music director for artists such as Peabo Bryson, Isaac Hayes, his father Rufus Thomas, and his sister Carla Thomas.
His Family and Legacy
Marvell Thomas came from a very musical family. His father, Rufus Thomas, was a well-known musician. People called him "Memphis's other King."
His sister, Carla Thomas, was also a famous singer. She was known as the "Memphis Queen" after her hit song "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)". Marvell's youngest sister, Vaneese Thomas, is also a talented recording artist.
Marvell Thomas passed away in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 75 years old. He died after a short illness.
