Tony Thomas (guitarist) facts for kids

Tony Thomas (also known as Tony "Strat" Thomas) was an American funk and rock guitarist. He was born on June 2, 1959, in Highland Park, Michigan, and passed away on February 6, 2022. Tony was famous for his amazing guitar work with George Clinton, Parliament, and the P-Funk All-Stars. He also played a lot with Muruga Booker in bands like Muruga Cosmic Boogie and Muruga Blues All-Stars.

Tony "Strat" Thomas: A Guitar Legend

Tony Thomas was a talented musician known for his unique guitar style. He played a big part in the world of funk and rock music. His nickname "Strat" came from his favorite guitar, the Fender Stratocaster.

Early Life and His Famous Guitar

When Tony was a teenager, he really loved the sound of the Fender Stratocaster guitar. His mother bought him one, and that's how he got his nickname, "Strat." He quickly learned to play the guitar and soon joined a reggae band in Detroit, Michigan, called Onyx.

Joining the Funk World

In 1979, Tony Thomas and Donnie Sterling started a group called Sterling Silver Starship. They recorded an album, but it was never released. Tony and Donnie then left that group in 1981. They formed a new band called Kiddo and released an album with A&M Records.

In 1982, Tony played guitar on George Clinton's first solo album, Computer Games. This album included hit songs like "Atomic Dog" and "Loopzilla." Tony continued to record with P-Funk throughout the 1980s. He was featured on many of their most popular records.

Collaborations and Performances

In 2014, Tony Thomas joined Muruga Booker to form Muruga & The Cosmic Hoedown Band. This band later changed its name to Muruga Cosmic Boogie. They worked on several music projects, including some with George Clinton and other P-Funk members.

In 2015, Tony and Muruga & The Cosmic Hoedown Band performed at the Concert of Colors in Detroit. They played with the Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue. Tony was a featured soloist, playing the famous song "Maggot Brain."

In 2017, Tony and Muruga Booker also started a blues band called Booker Blues All-Stars. They recorded an album called Booker Plays Hooker. This album was a tribute to John Lee Hooker for his 100th birthday. It also featured other great musicians like J.C. "Billy" Davis and Peter Madcat Ruth.

His Influence on Music

Tony Thomas's guitar playing with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic was very influential. Many famous artists used parts of his guitar work in their own songs. These artists include Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Digital Underground.

Because of his unique guitar sound and playing style, Tony Thomas was often compared to legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Hazel.

Tony Thomas's Passing

Tony Thomas passed away on February 6, 2022. George Clinton announced his death on social media. Steve Muruga Booker confirmed the sad news, saying that Tony "Strat" Thomas died while at band practice.

Discography

Tony Thomas played on many albums throughout his career. Here are some of the notable ones:

• 1980 – Parliament – Trombipulation
• 1982 – George Clinton – Computer Games
• 1983 – Kiddo – Kiddo
• 1983 – P-Funk All Stars – Urban Dancefloor Guerillas
• 1983 – P-Funk All Stars – Hydraulic Funk
• 1985 – Jimmy G. & The Tackheads – Federation Of Tackheads
• 1993 – Parliament – Tear the Roof Off 1974–1980
• 1993 – George Clinton / George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars – Family Series, Vol. 1: Go Fer Yer Funk
• 1993 – George Clinton / George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars – Family Series, Vol. 2: Plush Funk
• 1993 – George Clinton / George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars – Family Series, Vol. 3: P Is the Funk
• 1994 – George Clinton And The P-Funk All Stars – P-Funk Unreleased Remix
• 1994 – George Clinton / George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars – Family Series, Vol. 4 – Testing Positive 4 The Funk
• 1995 – George Clinton / George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars – Family Series, Vol. 5 – A Fifth of Funk
• 1995 – Parliament – The Best of Parliament: Give Up the Funk
• 1996 – George Clinton – Greatest Funkin' Hits
• 1998 – George Clinton and The P-Funk Allstars – Funk Permission Card
• 2000 – Parliament – The Best Of Parliament
• 2000 – Parliament – 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Parliament
• 2005 – Parliament – Gold
• 2014 – The New Newz – Deer Dreamers
• 2015 – Muruga & The Cosmic Hoedown Band meet George Clinton & P-Funk All-Stars – The Fathership – Mothership World Connection
• 2016 – Wormhole Cafe (feat. P-Funk All-Stars & more) – At The Wormhole Cafe
• 2016 – Muruga & The Cosmic Hoedown Band – Harmonious World
• 2017 – Booker Blues All Stars – Booker Plays Hooker