Musician, Producer. A keyboardist, he will be remembered for his work with such artists as Wilson Pickett and Isaac Hayes, as well as his association with Stax Records. Born into a musical family, his father was acclaimed rhythm and blues singer Rufus Thomas, his sister Carla Thomas became a well-known singer in her own right. Raised in a Memphis housing project, he nearly died at the age of nine after suffering from a severe case of pneumonia. After this experience in addition to his mother studying and becoming a nurse, Marvell wished to pursue a career as a physician. He focussed on math and science while in high school, as well as participating in music groups. A natural at playing the piano, he gained performance experience at night clubs during his teens. After Stax records was established in 1959, Thomas' passion for music was furthered and during the early years at the company, he was a fixture who provided sessions work for many artists including "Booker T and the MGs." Following two years of service with the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he forged a remarkable career as a musical contributor initially with Etta James, on her 1968 album "Tell Mama." This was followed with Isaac Hayes' groundbreaking, soul triumph "Hot Buttered Soul" (1969), which Thomas also served as producer. He played the keyboards on Wilson Pickett's cover of "The Beatles'" legendary hit "Hey Jude," which reached number 23 on the American Billboard Charts for Pickett in 1969. He went on to collaborate with Clarence Carter on "The Dynamic Clarence Carter" (1969), his sister Carla Thomas on her album "Love Means" (1971), Yvonne Elliman "Rising Sun" (1975) and "The Emotions" album "Sunrise" (1977).
Musician, Producer. A keyboardist, he will be remembered for his work with such artists as Wilson Pickett and Isaac Hayes, as well as his association with Stax Records. Born into a musical family, his father was acclaimed rhythm and blues singer Rufus Thomas, his sister Carla Thomas became a well-known singer in her own right. Raised in a Memphis housing project, he nearly died at the age of nine after suffering from a severe case of pneumonia. After this experience in addition to his mother studying and becoming a nurse, Marvell wished to pursue a career as a physician. He focussed on math and science while in high school, as well as participating in music groups. A natural at playing the piano, he gained performance experience at night clubs during his teens. After Stax records was established in 1959, Thomas' passion for music was furthered and during the early years at the company, he was a fixture who provided sessions work for many artists including "Booker T and the MGs." Following two years of service with the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he forged a remarkable career as a musical contributor initially with Etta James, on her 1968 album "Tell Mama." This was followed with Isaac Hayes' groundbreaking, soul triumph "Hot Buttered Soul" (1969), which Thomas also served as producer. He played the keyboards on Wilson Pickett's cover of "The Beatles'" legendary hit "Hey Jude," which reached number 23 on the American Billboard Charts for Pickett in 1969. He went on to collaborate with Clarence Carter on "The Dynamic Clarence Carter" (1969), his sister Carla Thomas on her album "Love Means" (1971), Yvonne Elliman "Rising Sun" (1975) and "The Emotions" album "Sunrise" (1977).
Bio by: C.S.
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