Date of Birth: August 7, 1942
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: May 29, 2021
Biography
Billy Joe Thomas, known professionally as B. J. Thomas, was an American singer renowned for his versatile voice and ability to cross multiple genres, including pop, country, and gospel. Born in Hugo, Oklahoma, Thomas grew up in Houston, Texas, where he began his musical career. His breakthrough came in 1966 with his cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” which became an enduring hit. Thomas’s career skyrocketed with the release of “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” in 1969, a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” The song not only topped the charts but won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy. Throughout his career, Thomas released multiple hit singles, including “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Rock and Roll Lullaby,” and “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” He also found success in the gospel genre, winning five Grammy Awards in this category. Thomas was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and enduring artist.
5 Interesting Facts about B. J. Thomas
1. B. J. Thomas sold over 70 million records worldwide during his career.
2. He battled substance abuse issues in the late 1970s but successfully overcame them.
3. His song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.
4. Thomas’s version of “Hooked on a Feeling” introduced the famous “ooga chaka” refrain.
5. He made multiple guest appearances on popular TV shows, including “The Merv Griffin Show” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from B. J. Thomas
1. “When I sing a song, I want people to feel what I feel.”
2. “Music is a way to connect with people on a deeper level.”
3. “Overcoming my struggles with addiction was one of my greatest accomplishments.”
4. “Success in music is not just about talent; it’s about perseverance and passion.”
5. “I am grateful for every moment and every note.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, B. J. Thomas achieved a net worth estimated at around $5 million.
Children
B. J. Thomas and his wife, Gloria Richardson, had three daughters: Paige Thomas, Nora Thomas, and Erin Thomas.
Relevant Links
1. [B. J. Thomas on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._J._Thomas
2. [B. J. Thomas Discography](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bj-thomas-mn0000051491/discography
3. [Grammy Awards – B. J. Thomas](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/bj-thomas
4. [Official B. J. Thomas Website](http://www.bjthomas.com/
5. [B. J. Thomas on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0859269/
