Lillo Thomas. (born 1961, Brooklyn, New York, United States), is an American former Olympic-qualifying athlete and later a soul musician. He reached the peak of his success as a recording artist in the 1980s. His most famous songs include "Sexy Girl" and "I'm in Love."
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Prior to his recording career he was on the U.S. track and field team. As an athlete he set the world record for the 200 meters at the age of sixteen with the help of his volunteer coach Jeremiah Armour.[1] He qualified for the 1984 Olympics, however he was unable to attend after being involved in a car accident in Brazil.[1][2]
Thomas left athletics behind for music, and toured with comedian Eddie Murphy in 1985.[1] He became a successful session vocalist, doing vocals on releases by Evelyn "Champagne" King, Kashif, James Ingram, George Benson, and Melba Moore, among others, while also writing "Mind Up Tonight" for Moore.[1]
Thomas released his first album in 1983. His albums were produced by Kashif and Paul Laurence Jones III. He landed his own solo recording contract with Capitol Records, and began getting singles on the charts.[1] "Your Love's Got a Hold on Me" was his first Top 20 R&B single in 1984, and Thomas enjoyed his biggest year in 1987 with three Top Ten R&B hits.[1] "I'm in Love" reached number two and remains his most successful single.[1] Thomas collaborated with Laurence on songs recorded by Freddie Jackson and Moore.[1]
In 2010 he released his first album of all new material since 1987, "Come And Get It" on the Fitingo Music label. He has also successfully acted and painted.[1]
| Year | Album | Label | U.S. R&B Albums Chart | U.S. Billboard 200 Chart |
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| 1983 | Let Me Be Yours | Capitol Records |
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| 1984 | All Of You | Capitol Records |
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| 1987 | Lillo | Capitol Records |
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| 2001 | The Very Best Of Lillo Thomas | Capitol Records |
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| 2010 | Come And Get It | Fitingo Music |
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| Year | Album | Label | U.S. R&B Singles Chart | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | "You're A (Good Girl)" | Capitol Records |
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| 1983 | "Who Do You Think You Are?" | Capitol Records |
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| 1984 | "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" | Capitol Records |
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| 1984 | "Your Love's Got A Hold On Me" | Capitol Records |
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| 1984 | "(Can't Take Half) All Of You" (with Melba Moore) | Capitol Records |
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| 1985 | "Settle Down" | Capitol Records |
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| 1987 | "Downtown" | Capitol Records |
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| 1987 | "I'm in Love" | Capitol Records |
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| 1987 | "Sexy Girl" | Capitol Records |
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| 1987 | "Wanna Make Love (All Night Long)" | Capitol Records |
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| 2010 | "Rubbing Your Body" | Fitingo Music |
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