Over the past two decades, Joe Thomas has garnered a reputation for being the consummate R&B crooner. Since his debut in 1993, his classic melodies have become well-known for speaking to the complexities of human relationships and exuding a trademark dosage of passionate romance.
With six GRAMMY nominations to his credit, Joe found considerable success at home and abroad. In spite of his international success, however, Joe still comes across as the customary guy next door. Such humility has allowed Joe to venture outside of the R&B genre and collaborate with some of the industry's biggest hip hop stars: Big Pun ("Still Not A Player"), Mystikal ("Stutter"), Shaggy ("Ghetto Child"), Petey Pablo ("Let's Stay Home Tonight" REMIX), G-Unit ("Ride Wit U" and "I Wanna Get to Know Ya"), Tony Yayo ("Curious") and Papoose ("Where You At?"). Even so, Joe has always stayed true to the classic elements of R&B music — from Everything (1993) to Signature (2009).
Upon the release of Signature, Joe Thomas managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Gerald Levert, "Worst Case Scenario," and the current state of R&B.
With fifteen years of experience behind you, there is no doubt that you are one the R&B genre's few living legends – especially of the male variety. What about your music, personality or style has allowed you to survive through all the storms and the different changes in the musical landscape?
For me, it's more so being true to what you're doing and keeping that honest. As long as you're honest about what you present out there, continue to stay on the same course and not do everything that everybody else is doing. It's okay to incorporate other styles or genres of music. That's very much allowed, but when you start appearing to be that this is what you wanted instead of doing this, that's when it becomes a problem. You got to stay the course. That means you stay true to who you are, to what you believe in. It's easy to be that way when it's true. I think that's part of what helped me sustain all the different changes in this industry. My fans have sort of grown up with me, seeing where I could've gone this way, I could've done that, but instead I chose to just follow what I thought was right for me.
Your current album, Signature, stands as your eighth studio album. When you look back on the recording experience for this particular album, what thoughts immediately come to mind?
Article comments
1 - Dana Whittington
I am a 34 year old woman I have loved Joe's music for 10-11 years. I have all of his albums. is muic is so meaningful evey song has a true and definite story or lesson in it. Most music today is so disrespectful to women but Joe has stayed true to himself and his music it shows that he is a gentleman. I listen to his music every day even at work it puts me in the best of moods. Pleae don't top making music!!!
2 - sybil lott
I had the pleasure of being at the Tom Joyner family reunion in Orlando, fl 2009. I have always been a big fan of Joe, And I tell ya! His music makes me feel like a teenager all over again, I just love the track # 2 and #3 because I know he is talking about me!! And Joe my name is Sybil Lott yes I said it and I live in Florida, So come and find me you fine Black spiritual brother.. Ha Ha Gotcha I want to Audition for you I can sing, and all your music has so much meaning that I just love your vibe!! Im excited about you just being you, and having such a input on all the women in this world.. In Orlando at Tom Joyner. All you had to do is sing your own background because we as your fans knew all your songs and we lead everyone of them!! Just keep doing what you are doing being pleasing to our heavenly father and giving your gift to the world.. I love every vocal that come out your mouth because your lyrics say alot and it makes my heart go (Bump-Bump) LOVE YOU JOE AND WORST CASE SCENARIO IS THAT YOU FIND ME AND GIVE ME AN AUDITION!! PALMBAY FLORIDA SAYS HOLLA!!!
3 - Faye Moore
Great interview and CD is fabulous. I want to say Joe your fantastic! I just love your music.
God Bless You
4 - Three
In absolute respect to my fellow people, and their comments, I am a youngman that believe it or not performed I wanna know and treat her like a lady throughout Brooklyn,ny in 2000, not only did the gift of song touch many hearts from joes spirit but from mine also, see that summer was monumented as a memorial for my sister that was murdered and died in my arms memorial day night , whom of which loved hearing and witnessing me perform it as well, in that experience I not only performed I wanna know throughout newyork, but also received valuable acclaim in accordance to being recognized from the peoples perspective as being a gentleman with the voice of an angel, and was scouted by an A&R from MCA records by the name of Mr. Jose Fuentes, and was said to by him that from my ability to perform vocally at the level that has been given to me by God, that not only was my live show incredible but was worth being heard by many, and then he offered to cordially invite me, in rep. of MCA records to perform at the appollo, the rest was an experience worth pleasure and pain but definitely appreciated, and well learned from in terms of being an artist goes, I asked The Lord for his willing, and what I received was far more precious than any contract, my sister got a chance to see me sing on stage from heaven, Thankyou brother , God bless u in Jesus precious name, and my best to your parents for being obedient to him so that the blessing that is JOE was able to be, sincerely/industrially/spiritually-Mark O'Neal [personal contact info deleted]
5 - Cifra Midas, (Sarah-Jane Elizabeth Grant)
Trust me mate, I was the one for you. That Daniel Hirsch geyser is crazy. I tried to book u for a personal appearance in 1993 and he told me that u were only worth 7000,(didn't know whether that was dollars or pounds).Hope you're happy with Kedar. Peace & Love to your lady and hey how's Kayla doing. Do u have anymore yet.
6 - wilbert martin
Joe is as smooth as butter but hot as fire. I like his music. He sings to the ladies and to the Brotthers that pursue the ladies. What a talent. I'm ol' school with a neo-twist. 57 years old and know the music very well. Could've done it myself but too caught up in tryin' to make a right now living. Keep it up Mr. Thomas. I will support it if it's real.