Kenny Thomas (singer)

Kenny Thomas (born 12 September 1968,^[1] Islington, London) is an English soul singer.

Career

Thomas grew up on Hillside Estate in Stamford Hill and went to Cardinal Pole RC School in Hackney. He was a boxer and a BT technician before turning his hand to a singing career. His breakthrough came in 1991 with his debut hit "Outstanding", a cover of a Gap Band song, which went to number 12 in the UK Singles Chart.^[2] He placed another three singles in the UK chart that year including his biggest hit in the July "Thinking About Your Love", which peaked at number four and stayed on the chart for 13 weeks, and "Best Of You", which peaked at number 11 and was in the chart for 7 weeks.^[2] The former hit was produced by Tim Lever and Mike Percy formerly of the band, Dead or Alive. Thomas' debut album Voices (1991) made number three in the UK Albums Chart^[2] and selling over 600,000 copies.

At the annual BRIT Awards, in February 1992 he was nominated for an award in two categories, Best British Male Vocalist and Best British Newcomer. His second album in 1993 Wait For Me produced by Ian Green and including contributions from Nu Colours and The Young Disciples, made number 10 in the album chart. The lead single from the album "Trippin' On Your Love" originally recorded by The Staple Singers made number 17 in the singles chart. Two more singles from the album followed, both of which failed to make a big impact on the charts. The single "When I Think of You" was released in 1995, this was taken from his intended third album, which remained un-released due to a split with the record label.

His career enjoyed a brief revival in 2005 when he took part in the televised singing contest on ITV's Hit Me Baby One More Time. He was joined by other one time big pop stars including Shakin' Stevens and Shalamar; the show was eventually won by Stevens.

Thomas supported Level 42 on their Autumn 2006 tour of the UK. July 2006 also saw the release of a new studio album called Crazy World. In 2010 Kenny completed 3 years of study graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and is now a qualified practitioner.^[3] He released a new album, Breathe, in September 2011.^[4] Producers on the album include such UK-based studio-bods as Mark Jaimes & Danny Saxon, 5AM, Sir Piers and The Drizabone Soul Family.^[5]

Kenny's latest album and project is known as 'The Thomas Brown Affair'. It is a collaboration with hit songwriter, producer and Jazz pianist Wayne Brown who has collaborated with a diverse array of international artists including Billy Ocean, Ruby Turner, Junior, Lulu, George Michael and Johnathan Butler to name but a few. The album is a collection of some of their favourite classic songs performed in their own personal and unique style. The bulk of the album contains piano and voice interpretations of some classic songs, but also present are a couple of guest musicians, including the legendary guitarist Elliott Randall of Steeley Dan and Doobie Brothers fame. The album is due for release in the summer of 2013.

Personal life

Kenny is married to the South African singer and songwriter Francisca Blasich and they have a daughter together called Angela, and more recently have had a second daughter named Christina.

Discography

Albums

Singles

References

http://www.kennythomas.info Official Website