Lynda Thomas

Lynda Thomas

Thomas in July 2003
Born Lynda Aguirre Thomas
(1981-12-21) December 21, 1981[1]
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Occupation Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, model, activist[2]
Years active 1986–2002 (retired)
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)

Musical career

Genres
Labels EMI, Capitol Records
Associated acts Vinnie Colaiuta[3]

Lynda Aguirre Thomas (born December 21, 1981)[4] is a retired Mexican Eurodance[5] and alternative rock[6] musician, singer and songwriter who rose to fame during the late 1980s, she achieved recognition in Ibero-America and Continental Europe during the 1990s and early 2000s; in 2002, at the height of her commercial success,[7][8] Thomas suddenly left the music scene and public life, right after finishing recording her last album which was never released.

In 1997, by the age of 15, Thomas was recognized by the TV networks and press as "The first and most important teenage performer (from the 1990s) who despite her young age, has a long musical career"; this happened two years before the beginning of the worldwide revival of teen music in the late 1990s.[6][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Thomas was formerly known professionally as Lynda. She was also a producer and songwriter of several pop-rock singers and bands.

Throughout her musical career, Thomas kept a low profile, away from media scandals. She was also a social, environmental and human rights activist.[17][18][19] The musician released between 1989 and 2002 more than 30 singles; Thomas mostly promoted her music through radio airplay and promotional tours, instead of music videos.[5]

On July 14, 2003, after one-year absence, Thomas announced she was facing a legal battle against Televisa and EMI, she claimed that her new record label in the United States and Canada was Interscope Geffen A&M Records. As of 2016, it has been the last public appearance of the musician; there is no information about her location and personal life.[20][21]

Early life

Thomas was born Lynda Aguirre Thomas in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, on December 21, 1981; her immediate maternal family emigrated to the Americas from Wales.

Professional career

1986–1994: Early releases and breakthrough

In 1986, Thomas began singing as an amateur performer on local festivals, later in 1989, she rose to fame during the TV singing contest Fantasía Musical organized by "Siempre en Domingo", at the time, the most important variety-show in Ibero-America, in which, she winning first place in her native state during the qualifying stages, later, Thomas reached the final of the competition which was held in Mexico City; subsequently she became one of the winners.[22] Later, following the advice of Raúl Velasco, she moved to Mexico City to start a professional career, supported by her sister Alissa.[23][24]

Her debut promotional vinyl recording was released in 1989, a theme written by her sister called "Cantemos Juntos" (Let's Sing Together). Later, in 1990, "Cantemos Juntos" was included on the compilation LP Los Triunfadores de Fantasía Musical. Subsequently, she continued her studies and her musical training; meanwhile, Thomas continued with her independent tour and record label auditions, she also collaborated in the production of several albums of other artists, most of them uncredited, including the 1993 album of her sister Alissa.[22]

The release of her first full-length album, was delayed for about six years. At the beginnings, her career was supported by the recently founded Televisa's label Discos y Cintas Melody, but, in 1989, Thomas and her producers were looking for a new label; they showed several demos from her album "Lynda", but it wasn't until 1994, when Lynda Thomas signed with "EMI-Capitol".

1995–1996: Mainstream success - Turning to eurodance, and artist of the year -

In 1995, at the age of 13, Thomas began finishing recording "Lynda",[4] it was officially released in early 1996. Before the album was released, in 1995, the musician released the pop-rock single "Inseparables", which was later included on the album; the song is about the unconditional friendship. Initially the track (as well as the career of Thomas), received poor support on the radio; later the song gradually began to be played on the radio and subsequently became a Top 3 single; afterwards, it was re-released in 1996. Inseparables remained on the charts for about two years, with no music video.

The commercial breakout of the album into the teen music scene came with its first international eurodance single "Gira Que Gira", the track climbed to the top position on the charts during the spring and summer of 1996, it also became one of the most requested songs in Ibero-America, the music video peaked number one on MTV and TeleHit; during the mid-1990s, Gira Que Gira was the opening theme for the daily schedule of XHGC-TV Canal 5, at the time, the most important teen-oriented TV-channel in Ibero-America; the remix version available on the Cassette Maxi Single received continuous airplay on the Club Dance radio stations including Alfa Radio 91.3; at the time eurodance music was at the peak of its popularity all around the world with acts such as Thomas, Haddaway, Snap!, Mr. President, 2 Unlimited, Scatman John or Ace Of Base among others.

At the same time, the musician released only as a radio promo, a Eurodance/Hip Hop track called "Sólo Contigo", (Only With You), without any promotional video, the song entered the Top 10 on the dance radio stations, including Alfa Radio 91.3; "Sólo Contigo" combines elements of techno, hip hop and eurodance music, genres that were popular in the early and mid-90s. This promo is one of the earliest demos from the album Lynda.[25]

Subsequently, Thomas released a mid-tempo ballad called "Muriendo Por Él" (Dying for Him), the track had good acceptance among the teenage market and rose to the top 3 on the Mexican charts, meanwhile, the song reached the top ten in several countries of IberoAmerica with no promotional video; the ballad had also moderate airplay in Italy and Portugal.

Soon after, Lynda Thomas released the eurodance single "Blue Jeans", it became a huge success all over IberoAmerica among other countries, the most s since Gira Que Gira; the music video became number one on MTV in the summer of that year, the track was influenced by eurodance from Germany of such period of time, specifically by Summer Holiday by Pearl and by the Real McCoy hit Another Night .

In the summer of 1996, she released the Reggae single "Chicos", in "7-inch" format; the song, which was one of the early 90s demos from the album, obtained continuous airplay on the radio due to the high popularity of such musical genre all around the world during the 1990s; Thomas also released for the teenage target market the mid-tempo ballad "Ya No Hay", the single became a top 3 hit on the charts during August of that year, despite not having promotional video.[26]

In June 1996, the musician released one of the best-selling singles of 1996, "El Amor No Tiene Edad" (Love Has No Age); both, the song and the music video reached the No.1 spot on the charts during the summer and fall of that year; In mid-1996, Thomas released a eurodance-remix version of the song, which entered on the top ten of the charts and gained rotation at the Discothèques. "El Amor No tiene Edad" became the only track for this album that Thomas performed live until her retirement. At the time, she received at the age of 14, the ERES Best New Singer award and was named the "Revelation Artist" of the year.[15][15][27]

Also, in 1996, Thomas made her first performance since 1989 on Siempre en Domingo; she returned to the show in 1997, before it was cancelled after 30 years of telecast.[22]

At the time, the musician released a cover version of the 1959 classic Bolero song "Sabor A Mí", originally performed by El trio Los Panchos featuring Eydie Gormé, the track had a limited airplay release in some countries around the world. Thomas played live "Sabor A Mí" only during the second half of 1996.

During the mid-90s, a commercial popularity within the Eurodance market emerged in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, Belgium and other countries with own eurodance acts such as Lynda Thomas, Rebeca Pous Del Toro, Cartouche, Paradisio, K.U. Minerva 2 Fabiola, Corona, and Alexia among others.[28] In Ibero-America, during the mid-1990s, she established a way of dressing that consisted of berets, yellow vests, short dresses with coloured tights, platform shoes and small school backpacks. Also, the euphoria of yellow smiley face products emerged among the teenagers.[15][29][30][31]

1997–1998: Critical recognition - last eurodance work, and changing style

In 1997, at the age of 15, Thomas released the Eurodance album "Un grito en el corazón", which became number one after its international release; Italian production personnel worked for the album with Thomas, including Massimo (Max) Di Carlo, with assistance work of the Disco icon Giorgio Moroder; the first single taken from the album was "Dile" (Tell Him), it was a number one single in several countries. The official video became number one on MTV and Telehit.[32][33]

In April of that year, Thomas had the lead in the official Children's Day theme "Por Un Mundo Feliz"; alongside the single release, a massive event was held at Plaza Mexico and Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City with a major participation of Lynda Thomas, at the time, it became the most attended event in the history of the city. Then came, the top 3 Eurodance single "No Puedo No Quiero" (I Can't, I Don't Want), meanwhile, Thomas showed a new teenager image that established a new way of dressing, which positioned her as a fashion reference of the 1990s in IberoAmerica.

Subsequently, Thomas released the Bubblegum dance track "Corazón" (Heart), which became number one in several countries of Ibero-America; the music video featured actor Kuno Becker; The track was released in the golden era of Bubblegum dance during the nineties, Thomas won success with such subgenre alongside acts such as Whigfield, Paradisio and Aqua. "Corazón" was performed in a massive live performance at Plaza México in the same year during the beginning of the second phase of Un Grito en el Corazón Tour. At the time, during the end of the golden era of the original Hip house music trend, Thomas released "Hazlo Tu Mismo" (airplay only), it became her last house track she recorded in her career, the song addresses issues of personal growth and positive-healthy lifestyle among the teenagers.[34]

In the summer of 1997, the musician released the single "Sálvame (Destrucción Ambiental)", at the pinnacle of trip-hop music in the mid-1990s, the song which also was influenced by world-music, made complaints about global environmental issues such as environmental destruction, the Chernobyl disaster, animal extinction, the Lacandon Jungle tragedy and pollution; the track achieved success in countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Chile. "Salvame", was included as an auxiliary resource in some University Core Curriculums. Thomas donated all royalties from 'Sálvame' to Greenpeace in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.[35] Soon after, Thomas released as a single her last power ballad of the decade, the soft rock track "Tanto, Tanto" (So much, so much), the song entered the top ten in Ibero-America with no music video.[36][37]

In the fall of 1997, the musician released a promo of Bang Bang, soon after, in early 1998, the track was officially released as a single in the rest of IberoAmerica and some European areas, it reached the top 3 in several countries and was a number one track on the dance radio stations; "Bang Bang" became the last international eurodance hit released by Thomas, it coincided with the end of the golden years of eurodance all over the world in the first half of 1998.

In December 1997, Thomas had the lead in the Christmas single "Estas Navidades" (This Christmas) in its original 1997 version, the song, which was recorded alongside other singers, was originally composed and written by the musician in collaboration with her producer Lara and Max Di Carlo for a solo Thomas release, but later it was recorded by her and other guest singers at the request of Televisa and Raúl Velasco, specially for its performance (alongside her version of Jingle Bells), on 21 December of that year during the last Christmas celebration of the highest-rated variety show in Ibero-America "Siempre en Domingo" after almost 30 years of broadcasting; both, the single and the music video attained significative airplay and rotation in IberoAmerica, the song peaked number one during the last two weeks of 1997. At the same time, on her own, Thomas released for that Christmas period, a dance version of Jingle Bells, which was released in December 1997, the CD single obtained significant sales in Ibero-America specially in Brazil.[38][39][40]

In February 1998, Thomas released officially the eurodance single, "Bailando" (Dancing), the track was first released only as a promo in early 1997 as the first one taken from the album Un Grito en el Corazón, but its official CD single release was delayed by one year due to the worldwide release of another eurodance song at the same time with a similar name, it was "Bailando" by the Belgian eurodance project Paradisio; Bailando by Thomas reached the IberoAmerican number ten spot, and became a number one hit on the dance radio stations from Italy and Spain. Bailando became the last official eurodance single released by the musician, just before she evolved into the alternative rock and experimental music in 1998 for "Mi Día de la Independencia" and "Polen".[4][41][42]

Finally, in the first half of 1998, just after Thomas released her last eurodance single in her career (Bailando), the musician decided to release her last teen-oriented single in her career, "Un Grito en el Corazón" (A Cry From The Heart), the single was released in three different versions, being the acoustic version, the most played on the radio, it reached the top 3 in several countries, with no music video; the track which was also the eighth single taken from the album of the same name, was included in several year-end album compilations during the late 1990s.[5][15][43][44]

During her absence in 1998, Lynda Thomas decided to move to Los Angeles, California to record her upcoming album MDI. There she also took English and music lessons. Also, since 1997, she became an activist and participant of several organizations like Greenpeace and Lazos, for the last, Lynda financed the school education of several children living in extreme poverty in Mexico and Central America.[45]

Subsequently, shortly before the international success of Mi Día de la Independencia, Thomas released a folk version of the 1978 classic song "Solo Pienso en Tí" by the Spanish singer-songwriter Victor Manuel; during the last live performance of the song in 2000, it was provided with orchestral arrangements, for which, she received positive reviews from critics and audience.[46] The musician also released an Spanish version of the track Wind Beneath My Wings, mostly known for the version of Bette Midler.

Later, in December of that year, Thomas returned to the stages in the Mexican Telethon held at Estadio Azteca. Then, she was involved in a homage to Pope John Paul II alongside other singers, the song was Pescador Juan Pablo II, it became number one in some countries. The song received the Medal of Merit from Vatican.[47][48]

1998–2000: Height of fame, international popularity and alternative rock period

"Maldita Timidez - No Quiero Verte"

During the mid-1990s, Thomas obtained global success as a Eurodance act, later, in early 1998, she made a change of musical genres; therefore, she moved to Los Angeles, CA, to begin recording "Mi Día de la Independencia", alongside her producers and Vinnie Colaiuta, in which she dabbled into alternative and acoustic rock, it was finished recording in late 1998, soon after, it was released internationally in early 1999, when Lynda Thomas had just turned 17. This new musical production offered Thomas the opportunity to branch out and experiment with different musical genres and fashion looks, which later were used by other female performers around the world.[22][49][50]

Twelve singles and promos were taken from Mi día de la independencia overall, and at least five of them became international number one singles (Maldita Timidez, Corazón Perdido, Mi Día de la Independencia, No Quiero Verte and A Mil Por Hora). One year later, the album was re-released two times in 2000, due to the worldwide success of the singles. When Thomas released the album, she said about the concept of "Mi Independencia" - "I´m a rebel, not to make a mess of my life or do self-destructive things, I need the rebellion to go for my dreams and defend my hopes above what anybody says.[17][51][52]

In early 1999, initially the soft ballad "Pienso En Tí" was scheduled to be the lead single from the album, in Double A format together with "Vivir Sin El", but EMI decided to release both songs separately six months later. Vivir Sin Él was successful on the radio in the summer of that year in Ibero-America; initially a music video was scheduled for the song, but it was cancelled due to decisions of her label; the track became a top five single. The musician rarely included the song during her 1999-2000 tour; on the other hand, "Pienso en Tí" earned major airplay on the radio in Ibero-America including Argentina, Chile and Spain during the spring and summer of 1999; subsequently the track was released only as a promotional recording in August of the same year; then, the song became a top ten hit on the radio with no music video; Pienso en Tí remained on the charts for seven months, however, the song was rarely played live. Instead of the Double A single, Thomas released as the lead song from MDI, "No Quiero Verte" in early 1999; the decision was right, the single peaked number one all over Ibero-America.[50][53]

Since 1998, Thomas decided to form her own alternative rock band which consisted of 6 members (including Thomas), in percussions, drums, bass, synthesizers and acoustic and electric guitars, among other instruments; the first song the band performed live was the international number one single "No Quiero Verte" during a live performance in Madrid, Spain.[54]

During the promotion of MDI, the musician tried to convey the message that not all teenagers use drugs, alcohol or are depraved; she said that there are many teenagers who are interested in Social Welfare, Sustainable Development or Environmental Protection; she expressed her desire to become a spokeswoman for the teenagers. The album was presented officially to the media in early 1999, in a show case at the defunct "Hard Rock Live" of Mexico City. The new musical proposal of the record, gave Thomas her best-selling album so far.

Thomas first released the single "No Quiero Verte", (I Don't Wanna See You), an alternative rock track which reached the number one position in Spain and Ibero-America, remaining more than 14 weeks at the top position;[55][56] The track was also one of the best-selling singles of 1999 in Ibero-America. The music video which was produced by Argos Producciones,[13] gained strong popularity from early 1999 until mid-2001. The song was performed live, two years later in February 2001, at Festival Internacional de Viña Del Mar, held in Chile, in where, she had an acclaimed performance and received a medal of recognition. In such country, in early 2001, the song re-entered on the charts after two years of having been a number one single.[57][58]

Her second physical single was "Maldita Timidez" (Damn Shyness), it was her second consecutive Ibero-American No. 1 of 1999; the music video, which featured actor Héctor Arredondo in his first professional acting work, climbed to the top position on MTV, TeleHit and MuchMusic;[59][60][61] the single established Thomas as one of the most successful alternative rock acts in IberoAmerica, mainly in Spain, in where, she received the Los 40 Principales award (the biggest recognition in mainstream music in such country); the physical single was released in two different versions for the Iberian market. Maldita Timidez was premiered in Madrid during the prime time schedule for Televisión Española. For almost three years, the single constantly reentered the charts in different parts of the world since 1999 until September 2001, (Polen period).[8][62][63][64]

In July 1999, the musician released a promotional recording of "Girando", the song addresses issues such as youth personal development and youth awareness, Girando charted inside the top 10 portion of the Iberian, Argentinian, Mexican and Chilean airplay charts. It was rarely performed live. A rare and never aired video was filmed while Thomas and musician Vinnie Colaiuta were recording the song in Los Angeles, California; it was included on the first version of the album Mi Día de la Independencia. The song was loosely inspired by She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals.[65]

Later, Thomas also released only as a promo "Con el Alma en la Piel", a song based on a true story of a sixteen-year-old girl, who leaves home after getting pregnant.

Subsequently, "Mi Día de la Independencia" (My Independence Day), the opening theme from the album of the same name was released, it became a top ten single on the IberoAmerican charts, most notably in Argentina and Chile; in Spain and Portugal the single reached the number 3 spot on the charts; the song is about the misconception that adults have about teenagers and made complaints against animal cruelty and the extinction of the whales. The track was rarely performed live during the acoustic gigs.[22][66]

"Corazón Perdido - A Mil Por Hora"

"Corazón Perdido" (Lost Heart), was the last number one single from the 1990s released by Thomas, it reached number one in Spain, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay among other countries. Both, the song and the album remained at the top of the charts at the same time, over artists such as Luis Miguel, Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias. The music video was also number one on MTV.[67] Thomas recorded in Argentina an acoustic version of the song for MuchMusic; meanwhile "Corazón Perdído (Versión Acústica)" was released only in Argentina one year after the release of the album version, becoming a huge success nationwide.[68][69] Meanwhile, Thomas continued across the world with the international Mi Día de la Independencia Tour, in several countries including France, Spain, Portugal or Italy among other European territories. The tour also included Acoustic gigs as happened in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.[8][70]

Subsequently, in early 2000, the musician released officially the acoustic ballad "Ahí Estaré" (I'll Be There); first, the studio version won significative airplay on the radio in 1999, but due to the prolonged stay on the charts of the previous singles, the official single release of "Ahí Estaré" was delayed by one year. Subsequently in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thomas performed an acoustic version of "Ahí Estaré" for MuchMusic on September 29, 2000; this version which had a single release in South America, achieved prolonged success.[69]

She also worked for the TV ad campaign of Sabritas snacks company, with an adaptation of her successful single "Corazón Perdido". On March 23, 2000, Lynda Thomas re-released her album Mi Día de la Independencia, due to the high sales from the first edition.[71] At the time, the musician released the acoustic single "Voy A Seguir" (I'll Go Ahead), written by the then-unknown musician Leonel García, initially, during 1999, the song was played on the radio repeatedly, later in March 2000, it became an airplay hit. During the "Mi Día de la Independencia" Tour (Acoustic gigs phase), she performed "Voy A Seguir" with her band in Buenos Aires, such performance was released as an airplay radio single in Argentina only.[72][73]

Subsequently, in July 2000, Thomas released the alternative rock single, A Mil Por Hora (A Thousand Per Hour), which was written and produced by Thomas herself, A Mil Por Hora became one of the best-selling singles in IberoAmerica during the early 2000s;[74] later, it was released worldwide in September of the same year in EP format; the track became a number one song in IberoAmerica and other regions of Europe, including Spain, Romania, Argentina, Portugal, Chile and Hungary during the years 2000 and 2001; "A Mil Por Hora" remained more than seven months at the top of the charts. While Thomas was performing live at Festival de Viña Del Mar held in Chile, in February 2001, A Mil Por Hora was still remaining at number one. The song was the first single taken from the third version of MDI called Mi Día de la Independencia Edición Especial, which was certified Gold a few weeks after its release.[75]

The track was the main-theme of the high-rating telenovela Primer Amor: A mil por hora, the main role was originally scheduled to be played by Thomas, but she turned down the proposal about begin an acting career, it was later offered to other actresses. Instead, she only accepted to write and record the soundtrack for the teen melodrama, including the main theme and the single "Laberinto".[76] However, she had a brief appearance on the series, in one of the last episodes.[77] The music video for "A Mil Por Hora" won rotation since 2000 until 2003 due to the Brazilian re-release.[78] The single sold over 500'000 units in Ibero-America and won a Gold certification,[63] it was also included in the "A 1000 X Hora" EP, the Primer amor... a mil por hora OST and the 2000 international edition of her 1999 album Mi Día de la Independencia. "A Mil Por Hora" inspired the 2005 song and video "Responde" by actor and singer Diego Boneta. "A Mil por Hora" talks about youth problems, such as Bulimia and desperation. Thomas presented the song for the first time on the variety show Otro Rollo.[79][80][81]

During her tour, Thomas had an acclaimed performance in front an audience of 110,000 people, in the 2000 Mexican Telethon held at Estadio Azteca, in benefit of children with some disabilities and terminal diseases. Besides. Thomas had also a major participation in the 2000 Chilean telethon, held at Estadio Nacional in Santiago de Chile, in where, she made an special live concert during the prime time hour of the event, her performance drew positive reviews from critics and audience. The musician was introduced by the Univision host Don Francisco, for the international broadcasting.[82][83]

2001–2002: Commercial peak - experimental music, and events leading up to unannounced retirement

Personal and professional struggles - "Estoy Viva" - "Polen (Todas Las Mujeres)"

In 2001, Thomas released the last album in her career, "Polen", when she was 19 years old. For this album, the musician dabbled into post grunge, folk, heavy metal, acoustic and alternative rock, she also dabbled in pop punk and Britpop; by that year, that album was released before the debut of other similar acts such as Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson.[84][85]

"Polen" featured American musician Vinnie Colaiuta on drums and co-production, who worked before with musicians such as Frank Zappa, Sting or Eric Clapton.[3][14][86]

Shortly before the official release of "Polen", on Sunday, February 25, 2001, at Festival de Viña Del Mar held in Chile, Thomas was selected as a member of the internacional jury alongside soul performer Peabo Bryson;[75] Viña Del Mar is considered the most important musical event in the Americas, she had also an acclaimed performance and received positive reviews by critics and audience in the main day of the festival, she performed her latest international hits (including "No Quiero Verte" and "Corazón Perdido") from her album "Mi Día De La Independencia", which was still remaining after about two years at the top of the charts in Ibero-America since early 1999; when Thomas finished her Argentine-Chilean tour in February 27, 2001, she returned to California to finishing recording her last studio album in her career.[57][82][87]

The first single from "Polen" was the Semi-acoustic-alternative rock track "Lo Mejor De Mí" (The Best Of Me), the song reached the number one spot on the charts; the music video was about a female Secret Agent who works for the U.S. Embassy.[14][88]

Subsequently, also in 2001, the musician released as a CD single in Argentina, Spain and Chile "Polen (Todas Las Mujeres)" (Polen - All Women), a Funk metal-alternative metal track; the musician wrote about women's human rights, against gender discrimination, child sexual abuse, poverty, school bullying and domestic violence, the track received harsh criticism due to the social complaints of the song, therefore, the label decided not to make a music video for the song; Polen received poor airplay and minor sales except in Chile, Argentina and some European regions. Later, it was released only as a promo single in the rest of the world. Vinnie Colaiuta was on drums and co-production; the song was influenced musically by Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin) and Epic (Faith No More).[89][90][91][92][93][94]

Meanwhile, Thomas hosted alongside Colombian rock-singer Juanes in the first original edition of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards LatinAmerica, held in Santa Monica, California, in 2001.[95]

During the second half of 2001, Thomas released the post-grunge track "Estoy Viva" (I'm Alive), written and produced by Thomas and recorded in Los Angeles, California alongside Vinnie Colaiuta; for the track (as well as Perdedor), Thomas dabbled into a different musical direction, influenced by Brit-pop and the Seventies punk rock;[84] Estoy Viva was banned from radio broadcast, therefore the single obtained poor sales and minor airplay; one year after the release of Estoy Viva, this musical trend obtained its international commercial breakout with later singers such as Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Michelle Branch, Ashlee Simpson or P!nk.[96]

Lawsuit and last days in the music industry - "Ay, Ay, Ay" - "Amar Así"

Furthermore, in the fall of 2001, the musician released the Andalusian-Flamenco Folk rock single "Ay, ay, ay". The song was written by Thomas, influenced by the work of the Chilean Nobel prize winner Pablo Neruda; The lyrics were based on the poem "La Canción Desesperada" ( first published in 1924). The flamenco song was a commercial failure in Ibero-America, except in Spain, Chile and Portugal, in such countries, the song obtained significative airplay and a promotional tour.[97] At the time, Thomas created alongside Greenpeace a Whale Sanctuary on the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California against illegal hunting, contamination and industrial waste.[98][99] Subsequently, was released the alternative punk-rock track "En El Anden" with no music video; at the time, the song obtained minor airplay. While Lynda Thomas recorded the song in the studio alongside her sister Alissa, the drum intro was played live by Vinnie Colaiuta. This was the last collaboration in the career of Thomas alongside her sister Alissa.[100]

In November 2001, Thomas released at the request of her record label the teen pop-punk single Mala Leche ("Nasty Person"), in Spain, Argentina and Chile; it was the most "commercial"-sounding song from the album, unlike the rest of "Polen", which ventured into experimental music; for this single, Thomas recorded the last music video in her career, it was filmed in January 2002, the song was released in March 2002, in many other countries. The track became a top 3 single all over Ibero-America. At the time, Thomas was suffering from Bulimia and personal problems, nevertheless, she continued with her 2001-2002 tour.[92][101][102]

On April 11 and 23, 2002 Polen was remastered and re-released only in the United States to increase the popularity of the album, the reason was that Thomas hosted the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards on April 20, in which she was the presenter for the IberoAmerican broadcasting, and conducted interviews with several celebrities of that era such as Jennifer Love Hewitt, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, O-Town, No Secrets, Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith or Ashley Judd among many others.[103][104]

She also released the last official single in her career, "Para Ti" (It's For You), a semi-acoustic track which reached Top ten in several countries although the single did not have any promotional video, this because personal and contractual problems of the musician. Thomas wrote Para Tí as an auto-biographical song about her childhood sweetheart. It was also the last musical theme that Thomas performed live in her career, it happened in May 2002.[105]

When Lynda Thomas finished her last tour ("Polen" - "Lo Mejor de Mí") in May 2002, the ballad "Amar Así" (Love This Way), was scheduled to be the last official CD single taken from the album, but the track had never an official release; however, the mid-tempo ballad obtained moderate airplay on the radio. Thomas wrote her most personal lyrics for Amar Así, in which, she described the severe depression she was suffering. The song was never performed live and also became the last promotional track by Thomas played on the radio, just before she suddenly left the music scene and public life. The song was later recorded by other singers. In 2002, Thomas finished recording her world music-experimental rock album in English language, which was originally scheduled for release in the second half of 2002, later postponed until early and mid-2003. The album was never released due to personal problems and legal disputes between Thomas, EMI Group Limited, Televisa and Interscope records; a Spanish-language, Portuguese-language and Italian-language versions of the album were also scheduled for international release.[106][107]

2002–present: Retirement and legacy

In May 2002, at the age of 20, Thomas retired from music and public life; months later, EMI Odeón released in Spain and the Southern Cone a promotional recording of the alternative rock ballad "De Pie (Standing up)" taken from her last album, the song written by Thomas was about failure and stand up for life. The track received heavy rotation on the radio during August and September 2002.[6][16][79][88][106][106][108][109]

On 14 July 2003, after one-year absence, Thomas announced the last details of her lawsiut during an online discussion for Univision. She confirmed that her new label in the United States and Canada was Interscope Geffen A&M Records. Finally, her 2002 album was never released. As of 2016, it has been officially the last public appearance in the singing career of the musician, in which she stated "My biggest fear is to leave this world with no legacy".[79] She was a record producer and songwriter of several singers and bands.[110][111][112][113][114]

From July 25, 2009 to 2016, EMI, EMI Televisa Music and Capitol Records removed most of the published videos of Thomas from the free video-hosting website YouTube, due to a copyright infringement case.[5][8]

Influences

Peter Gabriel performing
Natalie Merchant performing
According to Thomas, Peter Gabriel (left) and Natalie Merchant (right) significantly influenced her music

According to Lynda Thomas, during her career, her major musical influences were the former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel and his pupil Paula Cole, the former lead singer for 10,000 Maniacs Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan, Fiona Apple, Björk, Janis Joplin, Ani DiFranco, The Cranberries and Jewel.[79][108]

Personal life and activism

Thomas kept a low profile during her career and turned down main roles in film and television. From 1997 (at the age of 15) until 2002, Thomas imparted university lectures on poverty, violence, human rights, environmental issues, and public policy subjects.[18][19][35][99]

After her retirement from public life in mid-2002, there is no information about her location and personal life.[17][20][21][52]

Illness and sudden absence from public life

During the late 1990s and the early 2000s, the musician suffered from Bulimia nervosa and a major depressive disorder, for her single "A Mil Por Hora", she wrote about such diseases.

Discography

Albums / Singles

Year Album title Singles from the album Album details
1989Cantemos Juntos 1989: "Cantemos Juntos"
1990: "Cantemos Juntos" (Re-release)
* Compilation only
* Label: Melody
* Formats: LP, cassette
1996 Lynda 1995: "Inseparables"
1996: "Gira Que Gira"
1996: "Sólo Contigo"
1996: "Ya No Hay"
1996: "Chicos"
1996: "Blue Jeans"
1996: "Muriendo por Él"
1996: "El Amor No Tiene Edad"
* Label: EMI Capitol
* Formats: CD, LP, cassette
1997 Un grito en el corazón 1997: "Dile"
1997: "Corazón"
1997: "Hazlo Tú Mismo"
1997: "No Puedo, No Quiero"
1997: "Sálvame (Destrucción Ambiental)"
1997: "Tanto Tanto"
1998: "Bang Bang"
1998: "Bailando"
1998: "Un Grito en el Corazón"
* Label: EMI Capitol
* Formats: CD, cassette
1999 Mi Día de la Independencia 1999: "No Quiero Verte"
1999: "Maldita Timidez"
1999: "Vivir Sin Él"
1999: "Girando"
1999: "Pienso en Tí"
1999: "Con el Alma en la Piel"
1999: "Mi Día de la Independencia"
1999: "Corazón Perdido"
2000: "Ahí Estaré"
2000: "Voy a Seguir"
* Label: EMI Capitol
* Formats: CD, cassette, VCD
2000Mi Día de la Independencia Edición Especial 2000: "A Mil Por Hora"
2000: "Laberinto"
* Label: EMI Capitol
* Formats: CD, DVD
2001 Polen 2001: "Lo Mejor De Mi"
2001: "Polen (Todas Las Mujeres)"
2001: "Estoy Viva"
2001: "Perdedor"
2001: "Ay, Ay, Ay"
2001: "En el Andén"
2002: "Mala Leche"
2002: "Para Tí"
2002: "Amar Así"
2002: "De Pie"
* Label: EMI Capitol
* Formats: CD, digital download

EPs and other singles

Tours and concerts

Official Music Videos

Year Title Director
1996 "Gira Que Gira" Benny Corral
1996 "Blue Jeans" Edmon Williams
1996 "El Amor No Tiene Edad" Patty Juárez
1997 "Dile"
1997 "Corazón"
1999 "No Quiero Verte" Pitipol Ybarra
1999 "Maldita Timidez " Felipe Gómez
1999 "Corazón Perdido" Nunca Pepe
2000 "A Mil Por Hora" Pedro Damián
2001 "Lo Mejor De Mi" Pedro Damián
2002 "Mala Leche" Scegami Brothers

Other Music Videos

Year Title Notes
1997 "Por Un Mundo Feliz" Children's Day Official theme, alongside other artists
1997 "Estas Navidades" Christmas song, alongside other artists
1998 "El Pescador" Pope John Paul II theme, alongside other artists

Discography as a songwriter, record producer, assistant work and backup vocals

- (uncredited work and post-retirement credits are not included)

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1989-1990 Fantasía Musical (TV series) Herself Performer
1997–1999 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Herself Host; performer
2000 Carita de Ángel Herself 2 episodes
2000 Primer amor... a mil por hora Herself Cameo appearance; performed "A Mil por Hora (a cappella)"
2001 2001 Viña del Mar International Song Festival Herself Member of the international Jury, performer
2001 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Herself Co-host alongside Juanes (live broadcast for IberoAmerica)
2002 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Herself Host (live broadcast for IberoAmerica)

References

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  3. 1 2 "Artistas internacionales acompañarán a Sting". Organización Editorial Mexicana (in Spanish). 2015-09-07. Retrieved 2015-09-10.
  4. 1 2 3 "BIOGRAFÍA DE LYNDA" (in Spanish). yes.fm. Retrieved 2014-04-24.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "The EuroDance Encyclopaedia-Lynda Thomas(Mexico)-EuroDance Group". eurokdj.com. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
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  9. "Grandes talentos de fin de milenio" (in Spanish). El Universal. 2000-01-01. Retrieved 2015-03-09.
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  11. "Where Are They Now? 1999's Biggest Pop Acts". Rolling Stone. 2012-07-02. Retrieved 2015-03-09.
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  18. 1 2 "Tiene Lynda plática con alumnos de UDEM". Grupo Reforma (in Spanish). 2000-05-06. Retrieved 2016-01-26.
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  37. http://www.lastfm.es/music/Onda+Vaselina/Entrega+Total
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  40. "ESTRELLAS DE NAVIDAD: ESTAS NAVIDADES". trendlyric.com. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
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  44. "Programa Hoy Felicidades Cd 1999 Andrea Legarreta" (in Spanish). mercadolibre.com.mx. Retrieved 2014-11-18.
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  47. "Contiene 14 temas; participan siete disqueras". La Jornada UNAM (in Spanish). 1998-10-26. Retrieved 2013-12-06.
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  51. "El Universal - Espectáculos". El Universal (in Spanish). 1999-10-22. Retrieved 2015-05-25.
  52. 1 2 "LYNDA DECLARA SU INDEPENDENCIA". El tiempo (Chile) (in Spanish). Retrieved 2015-05-25.
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  64. "LYNDA-MALDITA TIMIDEZ ( 2 VERSIONES )" (in Spanish). ebay.es. Retrieved 2014-05-13.
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  70. "Información Jurídica Inteligente" (in Spanish). noticias.vlex.com.mx/. 1999-12-21. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
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  75. 1 2 "Será estrella y jurado en Viña" (in Spanish). terra.com.mx. Retrieved 2015-09-18.
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  85. "LO NUEVO ¡¡" (in Spanish). galeon.com. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
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  98. "Hemeroteca - Universidad de Colima" (PDF). Diario de Colima (in Spanish). 2000-03-04. Retrieved 2013-07-30.
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  103. "Polen (album)". famousfix.com. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
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  105. "Arranca el Concierto EXA" (in Spanish). esmas.com. 2002-05-25. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
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  109. "Lynda, indignada con su supuesta muerte" (in Spanish). orizabaenred.com.mx. Retrieved 2014-01-28.
  110. http://www.cifraclub.com.br/rbd/no-pares/
  111. http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/live-in-hollywood-mr0000478545
  112. http://www.allmusic.com/album/eme-15-mw0002406910
  113. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/polen-thomas-mn0002559559/credits
  114. http://www.allmusic.com/song/a-rabiar-mt0039575658

External links

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