Musician. Born in Liege, Belgium, he is regarded as one of the finest European jazz guitarist. Self-taught, he began playing in 1954, with Bobby Jaspar in Paris and soon was a greatly in demand sessions player. In addition to performing with the top European jazz musicians, he worked with Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Kenny Clarke, Lou Bennett and Han Bennink. He also was a member of Stan Getz's band (1958-63). His recordings included "Guitar Groove" (1960), "Meeting Mr. Thomas" (1963), "Blue Note" (1964) and "Real Cat" (1974). He died of a sudden heart attack while on tour in Spain at age 47.
Musician. Born in Liege, Belgium, he is regarded as one of the finest European jazz guitarist. Self-taught, he began playing in 1954, with Bobby Jaspar in Paris and soon was a greatly in demand sessions player. In addition to performing with the top European jazz musicians, he worked with Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Kenny Clarke, Lou Bennett and Han Bennink. He also was a member of Stan Getz's band (1958-63). His recordings included "Guitar Groove" (1960), "Meeting Mr. Thomas" (1963), "Blue Note" (1964) and "Real Cat" (1974). He died of a sudden heart attack while on tour in Spain at age 47.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Advertisement
See more Thomas memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
