Irma Thomas

More than any musical talent, other than Mahalia Jackson, Irma Thomas is the truest female representation of New Orleans music. Throughout her trials and conquests, her extraordinary musical talent sparkles and shines as brilliantly as the glistering star she is.

In 1958, Irma Thomas traded a job as a waitress for a career as a soul diva. One night she put down her tray and went on stage. Soon thereafter, the waitress was fired and a singer emerged, marking the beginning of history for Thomas.

"It wasn't my life long ambition to be in show business, but as a young parent I didn't have much choice," said Thomas. "I had a talent that I could make a living with, which was fortunate."

Not only was this realization fortunate for Thomas, but also for all those she touched with her voice and her music. Throughout the years, Irma made a name for herself and for her beloved city of New Orleans, taking her trademark voice throughout the world. She has shared the stage and recorded with such artists as Bonnie Raitt, Dolly Parton, B.B. King, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Rita Collige, and a host of others. Her New Year's Eve show with Bonnie Raitt from the Hard Rock Café was a nationwide smash.

At 17, she produced her first record "You Can Have My Husband (But Don't Mess With My Man)," which was an immediate hit.

Thomas made a small fortune of $50 a night, while her peers were pulling in thousands. This minor setback did not disturb the persistence and perseverance of Thomas. She hit the Top 40 with a song called "Time Is On My Side" and continued to make the charts with almost every song she recorded for the next five years.

In 1964, the 23-year old singer's "Wish Someone Would Care" was No. 17 on Billboard's Top 100. The sky seemed the limit for this versatile young singer.

Hurricane Camille devastated the Gulf Coast region in 1969 and erased many of Thomas' bookings, leaving her with little choice but to move to Los Angeles. She found it difficult to continue her career there because she was not a regular in the local music business cliques.

Thomas moved to Oakland in 1972 and found the bay area's performing climate more congenial. The single mother worked in Montgomery Ward's lingerie and automotive departments to support her four children while singing in the area clubs on weekends. Once again her undying love of music prevailed, and after a six-year stint in California, she returned to the city that she knew so well.

Back in New Orleans since 1976, Irma has become increasingly popular and successful. Steady work, local recordings, stellar performances at the Jazz & Heritage Festival and a sweet, stormy voice that's improved with time has earned her the title, "The Soul Queen of New Orleans."

In her native Crescent City, she is considered with Fats Domino, to have the most diverse group of fans, transcending class, color and age barriers. She is indeed a favorite for local TV and radio commercials and endorsements.

Her familiar face and voice also makes her one of the best motivators for many worthy causes. Chief among those are teen pregnancy, children's needs and charities, as well as fighting hunger in the city of New Orleans. Thomas has won countless awards and honors for her work with local, state and regional concerns. She was also the recipient of an award from the Institute for Human Understanding as a culmination of her varied efforts to assist and promote the causes of her New Orleans. Thomas is also a participant to the various promotions sponsored by the United Way and the Y.L.C. promoting the positive image of the city of New Orleans.

Thomas' popularity captured her spot as the headliner at Harrah's Casino's Grand Opening, which is New Orleans' first land based casino. Her talent has also landed her performances at other casinos such as Players in Lake Charles, Lady Luck in Natchez, Casino Magic in Bay St. Louis and Biloxi, and President Casino on the Mississippi coast. She has also performed at the first Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Thomas is a two-time Grammy nominee, an accolade long overdue. In 1994, she was granted the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Award, which she shares with the likes of Ester Phillips, Clarence Carter, Jerry Butler, Ben E. King and others. In 1992, the New Orleans Post Office honored her on their cache' and in the same year, she was honored as The Big Easy Entertainer of the Year. The Jazz & Heritage Festival also honored Irma with a limited edition poster. Thomas is the first female to be so honored by both the post office and the festival. She was also the W.C. Handy Soul Blues Female Vocalist of the Year in 1995 and in 1997.

Irma's popularity has carried her to Europe with the American Rhythm & Soul Festival. Another memorable tour was in Japan, with rousing performances in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Irma garnered so much attention in Japan that her albums from the late '60's were reissued.

Irma's talent and unbeatable stamina caught the eye of Massachusetts' Rounder Records, which have released her most current records.

In the late 1990's, Irma toured with two of her biggest fans, Marcia Ball and Tracy Nelson, covering the east and west coasts promoting their new CD, "Sing It" on Rounder Records. The record was nominated for a Grammy in 1998.

1999 found Irma honored with the Louisiana Legends Award. The Mayor Committee for Women has honored her as well. The Conan O'Brian show even featured Irma promoting "The River of Song Project."

Today, Irma is the superstar she was always destined to be.and there's more to come. Those $50 nights have changed, but the woman hasn't. Staring in an autobiographical theater performance of "Simply Irma" at The Anthony Bean Theater shows yet another side of this talented woman.

Thomas was named New Orleans Magazine's People's Choice Entertainer of the Year and in 2001, Offbeat Magazine's Female Vocalist of the Year.

Today, a stronger, more beautiful and a more accomplished artist than ever, Irma is more than a superstar. She's a legend. Magnificently supported by her husband and manager, Emile Jackson, she has put it all together. Her singing exhibits a passion and love that only strengthens her demonstrations of maturity and unyielding commitment. She is well loved by any and all those within her reach. The audience is her family and she becomes a part of them. Her compelling presence and masterful artistry have the power to lift and inspire as never before.

Rolling Stone Magazine says, "She is number 35 on the must have CD list." Offbeat Magazine thought Irma was worthy of the 2004 May Jazz Fest cover and gave her the distinction of being the first female to have that honor.

Irma Thomas was a part of the "Blues Divas" video recorded in May of 2004 at the "Ground Zero Blues Club" in Clarksdale, Miss. with Morgan Freeman as host. That DVD will be released in 2005 as part of the PBS series.