Shardé Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shardé Thomas
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| Born | 1990 (age 34–35) Mississippi, United States |
| Genres | Fife and drum, delta blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Fife, piano, keyboard |
| Years active | 2003–present |
Shardé Thomas was born in January 1990 in Mississippi, United States. She is an American musician who plays the fife. A fife is a small flute-like instrument. Shardé is part of a special American music style called fife and drum blues. This type of music is becoming rare.
Shardé is the granddaughter of Othar Turner. He was a famous musician who started the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band. Shardé's cousin, Andre Turner Evans, is also in the band. Shardé plays a fife that is made from cane.
Shardé's Musical Journey
Shardé Thomas started playing music at a young age. Her grandfather, Othar Turner, was a very important blues musician. He helped keep the fife and drum blues tradition alive.
Early Performances
In 2003, a famous filmmaker named Martin Scorsese showed Othar Turner in a TV series called The Blues. This series explained how African rhythms influenced American blues music. Othar Turner was seen as a key link in this musical history.
Around the same time, musician Corey Harris was making an album called Mississippi to Mali. This album explored the connections between music from Mississippi and music from Mali, Africa. Othar Turner was supposed to record for this album. Sadly, he passed away just a week before his recording session.
Shardé Thomas, who was only 12 years old then, stepped in to record in her grandfather's place. This was a big moment for her. It helped continue the family's musical legacy.
Playing for Audiences
In 2003, Shardé's band performed at the South by Southwest Music Festival. This is a big music event in Texas. In 2008, she played in a show called "The Heritage Project" in New York City. The next year, in 2009, she performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. This festival is famous for celebrating jazz and other music styles.
Music Albums
Shardé Thomas has played on several music albums. Here are some of them:
- 2003: Goin' Over The Hill – with Willy Deville Acoustic Trio
- 2003: Mississippi To Mali – this is the album where she recorded for her grandfather
- 2010: Hill Country Hoodoo – with The Jake Leg Stompers
- 2010: What Do I Do? (CD Baby)
