Robert Thomas Jr.
Robert Thomas Jr. | |
---|---|
percussion, guitar, other | |
Years active | 1960–current |
Labels | Various |
Website | Official site |
Robert Thomas Jr. is an American jazz percussionist and hand drummer. He is known as an innovator in
Life and career
Robert Thomas Jr. was born in Miami, the eldest of seven children, and grew up in North Miami Beach. He was encouraged by his fifth-grade teacher to play music, and not having an instrument, Thomas learned to play percussion on his desk. He sang in the choir at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and at age sixteen, began playing percussion with the Broomfield Family, a local group that performed in churches and nightclubs. He joined the ensemble as a roadie, but after playing percussion with the group at a private party, went on to play in the band. Although still under-age, he played with the group at such venues as the Castaway Hotel's Wreck Bar.
After graduating from high school, Thomas studied at
Besides Weather Report, Thomas played with
on which he plays an eclectic mix of instruments including conga drums, wind instruments, guitar and the African bow harp.Thomas is married to Jane Thomas and has a son, Spencer.
References
- ^ Milkowski, Bill (2005). Jaco: The Extraordinary And Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius. Backbeat.
- ^ "Yoga Journal". 1994: 33.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - ^ "Billboard". 4 March 1995: 51.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - ^ "Robert Thomas Jr". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 August 2012.