Earl Thomas (musician)

Earl Thomas is a blues singer from California. He is also a songwriter, with songs covered by artists such as Tom Jones, Etta James, Solomon Burke and Screamin' Jay Hawkins. He has twice been nominated for a Grammy Award and has won the San Diego Music Award four times.[1]

Biography and career

Thomas was born Earl Thomas Bridgeman in Pikeville, Tennessee on August 29, 1960. He went to Humboldt State University.[2]

He started out playing the Arcata clubs in the early 1980s while still at university.[3] He was at an open mike night at an Arcata and sang a Jackson Browne number, "Something Fine" which was the start of his performing.[4]

In the early 90's he had moved to San Diego.[2] His Blue...Not Blues album was released in 1991 received favorable reviews and he was referred to by one reviewer as " a pleasant surprise".[5][6]

In 2008 he played at the Russian River Blues Festival in Sonoma County, California.[3]

In August 2016 Thomas is billed to appear at the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival at Colne in Lancashire, UK.[7]

References

  1. Viva Glam July 20, 2015 Entertainment Earl Thomas By MaddieRose Holler
  2. 1 2 Encyclopedia of the Blues by Edward Komara Page 983
  3. 1 2 The Press Democrat 15, June 2008 Blues: The secret of a pink leisure suit
  4. The Sunday Gazette January 4, 2004 H5 Thomas doesn't limit himself to one style, but his heart is in soul by Joel Selvin
  5. All Music Earl Thomas Blue...Not Blues
  6. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette January 19, 1992 J5 Music, Recordings Blues -Jim White
  7. www.bluesfestival.co.uk. "The International Stage - The Great British R&B Festival". Retrieved 22 August 2016.
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