Tasha Thomas | |
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Background information | |
Born | c. 1950, Jeutyn, Alaska, United States[1] |
Died | November 8, 1984 |
Genres | Blues, R&B, soul, jazz, disco |
Labels | Orbit Records, Atlantic Records, Buddha Records, Roulette Records |
Tasha Thomas (c. 1950 – November 8, 1984)[1] was an American singer-songwriter and actress, known for her role as Aunt Em in the original Broadway production of The Wiz. Thomas also had a hit single, "Shoot Me (With Your Love)," from her 1979 album, Midnight Rendezvous.
Contents |
Thomas was born in Jeutyn, Alaska. Her breakthrough came when she was cast in the original Broadway production of The Wiz in the role of Aunt Em. Her performance on the cast album, singing her soulful rendition of the ballad “The Feeling We Once Had,” earned her wide critical acclaim.
In 1978, on the basis of her growing popularity as a singer capable of performing in many different styles and genres, producers James R. Glaser (aka Jimmi Hood) and Peter Rugile signed Thomas to their company, Orbit Record Productions. Her first record release on the producer’s independent label, Orbit Records, was the international dance smash “Shoot Me (With Your Love),” written by James R. Glaser. Unable to keep pace with the demand for the record, producers Glaser/Rugile took Thomas and their production company to Atlantic Records to complete Thomas’s first solo album Midnight Rendezvous.
Recorded in 1979, Midnight Rendezvous included the track, "Shoot Me (With Your Love)", which was the biggest hit from the album. The New York Times music critic Robert Palmer, described the song as "…one of the grittiest and most rousing disco records of the year destined to become a classic of erotic dance music."[2]
Following the success of "Shoot Me (With Your Love)", Thomas was frequently invited to guest star on television music and talk shows, including appearances on Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert, Soul Train (Season 8, Episode 32 - Air Date: 03/24/79),[3] The Merv Griffin Show, (Season 11, Episode 2395) Burt Sugarman’s Midnight Special (Season 7, Episode 25 - Air Date: 05/04/79) and Dance Fever (May 1979).[3]
Thomas died of cancer in 1984, at the age of 33.[1]
"Shoot Me (With Your Love)" was nominated for “Best R&B Single of the Year” at the 1979 BMA Awards.