Michael Joseph Thomas (born July 14, 1978), better known as his stage name Michael J Thomas, is a jazz musician, saxophonist, and composer. He is a native of Elizabethtown, Kentucky who resides in Destin, Florida. His early influences were from Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, and Prince.[1][2] “Initially Thomas studied piano at the age of seven and didn’t pick up the saxophone until seventh grade upon entering West Hardin Middle School band. Early in high school (Central Hardin High School), he suffered a setback when rejected by students of the high school band because he didn’t play proficiently enough. Undeterred, Michael committed himself to mastering the instrument. By his senior year, he redeemed himself by winning talent shows, performing in the All-State Jazz Band, and was honored with a John Philip Sousa Award. He earned a music scholarship to the University of Kentucky, but left school early to pursue a career as a performer. Thomas was 19 when he joined the Jive Rockets, which opened for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy and Bill Haley’s Original Comets.”[3] “City Beat” is Michael’s first national release. On its release date of March 2, 2010, the single “City Beat” peaked at position #4 on the Amazon smooth jazz chart.[4] The infectious, upbeat title track hit #1 on Canadian based Smooth Jazz Now’s singles chart.[5] It later debuted at #45 on the smooth jazz.com airplay list.[6] It debuted at #24 on Billboard’s smooth jazz Indicator Chart.[7] Millions watching The Weather Channel are also getting hip to Thomas’ melodic mix of upbeat grooves and sensual ballads. A total of five songs from City Beat are receiving regular spins there, including “City Beat,[8]” “Amante Del Vino,”[9] “Back Home”,[9] “30-A Degrees[8]” and “Wedding Song (Forever Always).[8]” These breakthrough achievements for the small town Kentucky native (Cecilia, outside of Elizabethtown) are all the more incredible when you realize that he’s a purely DIY artist with no formal label backing. Denis Poole said this about Thomas, “ Michael may yet turn out to be the smooth jazz find of 2010.”[10] Prior to his national breakthrough as a recording artist, Thomas had built a strong and regional following performing at local venues, private shows, festivals, and concerts. He has performed several times at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, on bills featuring some of the biggest stars in smooth jazz: Dave Koz, Richard Elliot, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Rick Braun, Joyce Cooling, Steve Cole, Euge Groove, Mindi Abair, and Nick Colionne.[11] In 2006, the saxman was named Best of the Emerald Coast in the “Best Musician/Vocalist/Band” category.[12]
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Michael J Thomas plays Yamaha Custom Z Alto and Tenor Saxophones and a Yamaha 62 R Soprano Saxophone. He uses Vandoren Java Saxophone Reeds.