Vaneese Thomas facts for kids

Vaneese Yseult Thomas (born August 24, 1952) is an American singer. She is known for her R&B, jazz, and soul blues music. In 1987, her song "Let's Talk It Over" was a hit on the US Billboard R&B charts. Vaneese has also sung backing vocals for many other famous musicians. She has performed at big events like the Montreux Jazz Festival. In 2015, she was nominated for two Blues Music Awards for her album Blues for My Father.

Vaneese Thomas's Life and Music Career

Early Life and Family

Vaneese Thomas was born in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. She is the youngest child in a very musical family. Her father, Rufus Thomas, was a famous musician. Her older brother, Marvell Thomas, and sister, Carla Thomas, are also talented musicians.

Early Music Success

Vaneese started her solo music career in the late 1980s. She released her first album, Vaneese Thomas, with Geffen Records. This album included two popular R&B songs: "Let's Talk It Over" and "(I Wanna Get) Close To You." Both songs reached the top 20 on the US R&B charts in 1987.

Working as a Backing Vocalist

After her first album, Vaneese began working mostly as a backing vocalist. This means she sang harmony and background parts for other artists. She has worked with many well-known musicians. Some of these include Joe Cocker, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Eric Clapton.

Music for Movies and TV

Vaneese Thomas has also used her voice in movies and television shows. She was the singing voice for Grace the Bass on the children's TV show Shining Time Station. She also sang as Clio the Muse in the Disney movie Hercules. You can hear her backing vocals in movie soundtracks like Anastasia. She has also appeared on popular TV shows like Late Show with David Letterman.

Behind the Scenes in Music

Besides singing, Vaneese is also a talented songwriter and record producer. She helps other artists create their music. She has written songs for singers like Patti Austin and Diana Ross. Her song "One Shining Moment" became a top 10 hit in the UK for Diana Ross. Vaneese has also produced albums for artists such as Patti Austin.

Teaching and Other Projects

Vaneese helped start the Gospel Choir at Swarthmore College, where she used to be a student. In 2008, she won an award for narrating an audiobook called Jazz. Her most recent album, Blues for My Father, was released in 2013. She wrote most of the songs on this album. It even features a special "duet" with her late father, Rufus Thomas.

Vaneese Thomas's Personal Life

Vaneese Thomas lives in Westchester County, New York. She is married to Wayne Warnecke, who is also a songwriter and producer. She has taught in schools, including a time when she lived in France. More recently, she taught at the City College of New York.

Vaneese Thomas's Albums

Vaneese Thomas's Hit Singles