Signature Soul: Memories of Isaac Hayes

Rhonda Thomas Team
Sep 1 |13:15

August 11, 2008 - The former owner of Stax Records, Al Bell, and Atlanta-based vocalist Rhonda Thomas remember legendary musician Isaac Hayes, who passed away Sunday. Hayes is best known for the soundtrack of the blaxplotation film Shaft.

Guests:

Al Bell, former owner of Stax Records and currently the chairman of intellectual property company ABP

Rhonda Thomas, Atlanta-based vocalist who performed with Isaac Hayes for the past 11 years

Read the whole story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93503140

Story by: http://www.npr.org

 

See Rhonda Thomas at Centennial Olympic Park – Wednesday Wind Down

Rhonda Thomas Team
Sep 1 |12:04

Centennial Olympic Park – Wednesday Wind Down in Atlanta 9/22/2010

Come to the Wednesday Wind Down to see Rhonda Thomas Live Outside.  This is a free event.

See you there!

 

Rhonda Thomas New CD “Listen” release is date 9/21/2010

Rhonda Thomas Team
Sep 1 |11:52

Listen full 101 300x270 Rhonda Thomas New CD “Listen” release is date 9/21/2010

We are one month away from the release of my new album, “Listen”. (Release date-September 21st)  You can check out four of the new songs at www.reverbnation.com/rhondathomas.

 

Avery Sunshine’s Album Just Released!

Rhonda Thomas Team
Sep 1 |11:38

avey sunshine 300x300 Avery Sunshines Album Just Released!

Today’s blog is in support of a friend of mine.  I want/need everyone to take a listen to singer/songwriter/pianist, Ms. Avery Sunshine.  She has just released her debut self-titled album, “Avery Sunshine”. If I had confetti, I’d be throwing it, right now.

It is so important that we recognize outstanding albums and beautiful spirits.  This lady makes incredible music!  I was blessed to have her sing a duet on my upcoming album, “Listen” (release date- Sept.21st).

Even if she is new to you, Avery Sunshine is not new to the scene.  She has been making music as one half of the group, Daisy Rew, as musical director for the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, in movies like “The Fighting Temptations” and plays like Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns”.  I was most excited for her when she performed at the Democratic National Convention and at four private events during President Obama’s inauguration.

When you hear her music, I know that you will become a fan.  Someone recently described her music as “jazzgosoul” and you will hear her musical influences but most importantly, you will hear her gift.  Please check out “All In My Head”, “Ugly”, “Pinin” and “I Got Sunshine” (my favorites).  Her album is available for purchase on Itunes and you can check out her tour schedule at http://www.reverbnation.com/averysunshine.

Next month, I want to talk to you about one of my favorite artists, Eric Roberson and his latest album, “Music Fan First”.

Peaceful Blessings,

Rhonda Thomas

 

My Birthday Gift

ron
Aug 30 |23:39

I want to take time to thank everyone for their love and positive energy. I’ve had an outpouring of support for the new CD and for my birthday. So many blessings are coming my way. I want to make sure I stop and acknowledge them all. I also acknowledge from whom they flow. The Lord has guided me through this journey and has allowed me to see another year. I want to thank my friend Frank Jacobs for his words and for keeping me humble ; ) Would you all like to know what my birthday present was to myself? Well, I was expecting them last Thursday, but God had another plan. When I arrived home this evening my new CD’s were waiting for me. I’m actually sitting here with tears of joy running down my face. I am claiming this year. I have a supportive family and an absolutely dynamic and dedicated team who I also consider family. All of this hard work has paid off and the feeling is GLORIOUS!!!!

 

Check out Avery Sunshine’s debut self-titled album

rhonda
Aug 20 |23:48

 

Today’s blog is in support of a friend of mine.  I want/need everyone to take a listen to singer/songwriter/pianist, Ms. Avery Sunshine.  She has just released her debut self-titled album, “Avery Sunshine”. If I had confetti, I’d be throwing it, right now.

It is so important that we recognize outstanding albums and beautiful spirits.  This lady makes incredible music!  I was blessed to have her sing a duet on my upcoming album, “Listen” (release date- Sept.21st). 

Even if she is new to you, Avery Sunshine is not new to the scene.  She has been making music as one half of the group, Daisy Rew, as musical director for the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, in movies like “The Fighting Temptations” and plays like Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns”.  I was most excited for her when she performed at the Democratic National Convention and at four private events during President Obama’s inauguration.

When you hear her music, I know that you will become a fan.  Someone recently described her music as “jazzgosoul” and you will hear her musical influences but most importantly, you will hear her gift.  Please check out “All In My Head”, “Ugly”, “Pinin” and “I Got Sunshine” (my favorites).  Her album is available for purchase on Itunes and you can check out her tour schedule at www.reverbnation.com/averysunshine.

Next month, I want to talk to you about one of my favorite artists, Eric Roberson and his latest album, “Music Fan First”.

Peaceful Blessings,

Rhonda Thomas

 

The 1st album you paid for yourself?

rhonda
Jul 30 |23:20

rhonda hat2 The 1st album you paid for yourself?     Recently, I asked friends and my soul music family a question.  Here are some of the answers that you may find interesting.  I would also love to hear your answers, please feel free to share!

The Question:

”What was the first album/cassette/cd/45/8-track or whatever that you paid for with your own money?”

PJ Morton (singer/songwriter): Brandy’s I Wanna Be Down”

Jodine Dorce (www.JodinesCorner.com): Crystal Waters “Gypsy Woman”

DJ Frances Jaye (www.neosoulcafe.com): WAR “Why Can’t We Be Friends” and I bought Natalie Cole’s “Inseparable” at the same time.

Travis Wright (singer/songwriter): Debarge “I Like” (on 45) but I can’t remember what was on the flip side!

Al Ross (producer/sound engineer): Vaughn Mason’s “Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll”…1980, baby!

Vinx (singer/songwriter/percussionist): Sly Stone’s “Family Affair”

Jesse Boykins (singer/songwriter): Musiq Soulchild “Ijuswannaseeng”

DJ Dave Soul (deejay): The Beastie Boys’ “Brass Monkey” on 45

RAHBI (singer/CRAZY performer): Xscape “Hummin Comin At Cha”

Marc Powers (live music promoter): Hall and Oates “Voices” and Steve Arrington “Hall of Fame”

Avery Sunshine (singer/songwriter/my partner on “Just Us”): Donny Hathaway’s Greatest Hits and it was a cd.

Jomo Davis (BET television producer): Newcleus’ “Jam On It”

DJ Rev Lee (deejay/promoter/& my favorite soundman): Heatwave “Central Heating” and I still have that copy.

Jesse Bond (guitarist): Don’t laugh but the honest answer is The Wilson Phillips album for my 5th grade girlfriend.

Brandon Thomas (guitarist): Metallica’s “Black Album”

N’dambi (singer/songwriter): Sade’s first one.  Everyone kept talking about great she was, so I finally went and bought it…no regrets.

Rick Cook (live music promoter): Curtis Mayfield “If There’s Hell Below” and I’ve still got it.

Duane Covert (songwriter/producer): Elvis and KC and The Sunshine Band – both circa 1978

DJ Tabone (radio and club deejay): Sheila E’s “The Glamorous Life” (12-inch remix) We rearranged it for our high school marching band.

Jason Orr (Funk Jazz Kafe): Jackson Five’s “ABC”

James Bing (soul music critic): Biggie’s “Ready to Die”

Jalila Williams (Internship Coordinator for HNL Records): Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down”

Sy Smith (singer/songwriter): Earth Wind & Fire’s “Gotta Getcha Into My Life” flipside “Serpentine Fire”

James Collins (from ‘Fertile Ground’): Hmmm.  This is sad.  It was “Crush On You” by The Jets but my second was “Raisin’ Hell” by Run-DMC.

DJ Cha Cha Jones (radio and club deejay): Prince’s “Sign of the Times” on cassette

Ken Rye (live music promoter): Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love”

Carmen Rodgers (singer/songwriter): Prince’s “Under the Cherry Moon”

Jon Goode (spoken word artist/deejay): The first cassette I bought was Cameo’s “Word Up”.  The first 12″ wax single I bought was “Bring The Noise” by Public Enemy.

Yahzarah (singer/songwriter): GOD forgive me. It was a bootleg tape of Mary J. Blige’s  “What’s The 411”.

Mike Kitchen (live music promoter): My first cd was Mint Condition’s “Meant to be Mint” Cassettes/Albums?  I have no idea.

Nicole Gibbs (www.musicaddikts.com): The Boys’ “Dial My Heart”

Sid Washington (graphic design artist): Rick James’ “Glow”

Heston (singer/songwriter): Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”

Ron Smith (live music promoter/record producer): Kool & the Gang’s “Ladies Night” May record stores like Peaches Records & Tapes rest in peace.  We miss you!!!

How about you?

Peaceful Blessings,

Rhonda Thomas (singer with a new album coming out on September 21st): Oh yeah.  My answer is Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five’s “Freedom”.  DJ Dave Soul told me that it was sampled from the group Freedom’s “Get Up and Dance”.

 

Rhonda Thomas at Churchill Grounds – Atlanta

Rhonda Thomas Team
Jul 9 |13:56

FLYERS2010 6 151 200x300 Rhonda Thomas at Churchill Grounds Atlanta Churchill Grounds on Thursday, July 15

Doors Open at 8:00p -  Showtime is 8:30p

Join me for some Jazz and Soul Music to Kick off the NBAF weekend.

$10.00 at the door, come early!

Churchill Grounds
660 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

See you there!

 

Rhonda’s Online Book Club

Rhonda Thomas Team
Jul 9 |13:31

rhonda book1 231x300 Rhondas Online Book Club

I am excited to announce the launching of my new on-line book club and blog.  My first book offering in what is to be a series is “Before I Forget” by Leonard Pitts, Jr. The on-line book club and blog can be found at www.Rhondasings.com.  I want to extend an invitation to you and friends to participate.

Sincerely yours,
Rhonda Thomas

 

Dwele Album Release Show

Rhonda Thomas Team
Jun 24 |16:37

Rhonda Thomas will be a special guest at the Dwele Album Release Show. The event will be Thursday, July 1, 2010 at the Center Stage Theater. See the flyer below for more information.

Dwele web Dwele Album Release Show