Timmy Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Timmy Thomas
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Thomas at SXSW 2016
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Timothy Earle Thomas |
| Born | November 13, 1944 Evansville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | March 11, 2022 (aged 77) Miami, Florida, U.S. |
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| Years active | Early 1960s–1990s |
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Timothy Earle Thomas (born November 13, 1944 – died March 11, 2022) was an American singer, keyboard player, songwriter, and music producer. He was best known for his famous song, "Why Can't We Live Together".
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Timmy Thomas's Early Life and Music Career
Timmy Thomas was born in Evansville, Indiana, on November 13, 1944. He was one of twelve children in his family. He first became known for playing music with famous artists like Donald Byrd and Cannonball Adderley.
After that, he worked as a session musician in Memphis, Tennessee. A session musician is someone who plays instruments for recordings but is not a main member of the band. He released some songs on the Goldwax Records label. A record label is a company that produces and sells music.
Moving to Miami and a Big Hit
Timmy Thomas did not have much success as a solo artist until he moved to Glades Records in Miami, Florida. In late 1972, he released his most famous song, "Why Can't We Live Together".
This song became a huge hit! It reached number one on the U.S. Billboard R&B music chart. It also made it to the top three on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart. In other countries, like the United Kingdom, it reached the top 20. This song sold more than two million copies!
Other Music Projects
Before his big hit, Timmy Thomas was part of a group called Phillip & the Faithfuls. They released songs like "Love Me" in 1964. He also continued to release his own songs for Goldwax, such as "Have Some Boogaloo."
After moving to Miami in 1972, Thomas played music for other artists on the TK group labels. He then signed with Glades Records, where he released "Why Can't We Live Together."
Later Music and Producing Work
After his big hit, Timmy Thomas released another song called "People Are Changin'" in 1973. He also put out an album in 1974 called You're the Song I've Always Wanted to Sing.
He continued to release more songs and albums, including The Magician (1976) and Touch to Touch (1977). He also sang a duet with Betty Wright called "It's What They Can't See" in 1975.
Timmy Thomas also worked as a producer for other artists. A producer helps artists create their music recordings. In the 1990s, he worked for LaFace Records. His song "(Dying Inside) To Hold You" was very popular in the Philippines.
Timmy Thomas's Legacy
In 2015, the famous rapper Drake used a part of Timmy Thomas's song "Why Can't We Live Together" in his own hit song, "Hotline Bling". This helped introduce Timmy Thomas's music to a new generation of listeners.
Timmy Thomas passed away on March 11, 2022, at the age of 77.
Timmy Thomas's Albums
Timmy Thomas released several albums during his career. Here are some of them:
| Year | Album Name | Highest Chart Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Pop | US R&B | ||
| 1972 | Why Can't We Live Together | 53 | 10 |
| 1974 | You're the Song I've Always Wanted to Sing | — | — |
| 1976 | The Magician | — | — |
| 1977 | Touch to Touch | — | — |
| 1979 | Live | — | — |
| 1984 | Gotta Give a Little Love (Ten Years After) | — | — |
| 1994 | With Heart and Soul | — | — |
See also
- List of artists who reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart
- List of Hot Soul Singles number ones of 1973
- List of disco artists (S-Z)
- List of funk musicians
- List of soul musicians
- List of Soul Train episodes
- List of 1970s one-hit wonders in the United States
