# B. J. Thomas

> American singer (1942-2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q706518](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q706518)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._J._Thomas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b-j-thomas

## Summary
B. J. Thomas, born Billy Joe Thomas, was an American singer, songwriter, and recording artist best known for his contributions to pop, country, and contemporary Christian music. He achieved international fame with hits like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" and "Hooked on a Feeling."

## Biography
- Born: August 7, 1942
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended the University of Houston
- Known for: His chart-topping songs in the late 1960s and 1970s, particularly "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"
- Employer(s): Scepter Records, ABC Records, Columbia Records, Myrrh Records, MCA Records
- Field(s): Pop music, country music, rock music, contemporary Christian music

## Contributions
B. J. Thomas contributed significantly to American popular music through a long-standing career that spanned multiple genres and record labels. His most notable contributions include:
- "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" (1969) – a No. 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and later featured in the film *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, winning a Grammy for Best Country Song.
- "Hooked on a Feeling" – originally recorded by him in 1968 and later re-released as a disco-styled version in 1976, becoming a global hit.
- Over 70 charted songs and 34 albums released across his career.
- Induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
- A prolific recording artist who worked with major labels including Columbia, ABC, Scepter, and MCA.
- A significant figure in contemporary Christian music, especially through his work with Myrrh Records in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Author of his autobiography, *The Long Way Home*, published in 2009.

## FAQs
**What is B. J. Thomas most famous for?**  
B. J. Thomas is most famous for his hit songs "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" and "Hooked on a Feeling," both of which became international chart-toppers and cultural landmarks.

**Which record labels did B. J. Thomas work with?**  
He worked with several major labels including Scepter Records, ABC Records, Columbia Records, Myrrh Records, and MCA Records, reflecting a diverse and enduring career in music.

**What genres did B. J. Thomas contribute to?**  
He contributed to pop music, country music, rock music, and contemporary Christian music, making him a versatile and influential figure in American popular music.

**Did B. J. Thomas write his own songs?**  
Yes, he was a singer, songwriter, and recording artist who wrote or co-wrote many of his hits, including chart-topping songs like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head."

**What awards did B. J. Thomas receive?**  
He won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1970 for "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" and was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

**Was B. J. Thomas involved in contemporary Christian music?**  
Yes, he released several albums and songs through Myrrh Records, a label specializing in contemporary Christian music, during the 1970s and 1980s.

**What was B. J. Thomas's real name?**  
His birth name was Billy Joe Thomas, though he was widely known professionally as B. J. Thomas.

## Why They Matter
B. J. Thomas matters because he bridged multiple genres of American music, including pop, country, rock, and Christian music, and his songs became cultural touchstones. His work with major labels and his Grammy-winning compositions established him as a versatile and enduring figure in 20th-century American music. His influence spans generations, with his music featured in films, covered by other artists, and celebrated in halls of fame. His legacy includes shaping the soundtracks of iconic films and contributing to the evolution of contemporary Christian music.

## Notable For
- Grammy Award winner for "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" (1970)
- Inductee of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (2004)
- Chart-topping hits including "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" and "Hooked on a Feeling"
- Prolific recording artist with over 70 charted songs and 34 albums
- Pioneering work in contemporary Christian music through Myrrh Records
- Actor in films such as *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, where his music was featured
- Songwriter of enduring classics that influenced pop and country music
- Longtime collaboration with major labels like Columbia, ABC, and MCA
- Autobiographer with the 2009 release of *The Long Way Home*

## Body

### Early Life and Career
B. J. Thomas, born Billy Joe Thomas on August 7, 1942, began his musical journey in the 1960s, quickly rising to fame with a string of hits that defined a generation. His early career was marked by a collaboration with Scepter Records, where he released his first recordings. His breakthrough came with "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" in 1969, which won a Grammy and became a global sensation.

### Musical Evolution and Genre Versatility
Thomas's career spanned multiple genres, including pop, country, rock, and contemporary Christian music. His ability to cross musical boundaries allowed him to appeal to a wide audience and remain relevant across decades. His work with Columbia Records, ABC Records, and MCA Records showcased his adaptability and enduring popularity.

### Major Hits and Chart Success
His discography includes over 70 charted songs and 34 albums. His 1969 hit "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" not only topped charts but also earned him a Grammy. In 1976, his version of "Hooked on a Feeling" was re-released as a disco-styled track and became a global hit, further cementing his place in music history.

### Film and Cross-Genre Influence
Thomas's music was featured in major films, most notably *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, where "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" played a central role. This exposure brought his music to a global audience and demonstrated his influence on film soundtracks.

### Contemporary Christian Music and Later Career
In the 1970s and 1980s, Thomas made significant contributions to contemporary Christian music through his work with Myrrh Records. His albums in this genre were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, showcasing his ability to evolve with the times.

### Legacy and Recognition
Thomas's legacy includes a Grammy Award, induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and a long list of charted songs that continue to influence new generations of musicians. His autobiography, *The Long Way Home*, published in 2009, offers a personal look into his life and career.

### Personal Life and Death
B. J. Thomas passed away on May 29, 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy in American music. His contributions continue to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike, ensuring his influence endures.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9633285/Hooked-Feeling-singer-B-J-Thomas-dies-78.html)
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](https://omhof.com/inductees/)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. MusicBrainz
8. Discogs
9. [B.J. Thomas, who sang ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,’ dies at 78](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/bj-thomas-dead/2021/05/29/9c46fe42-8cad-11eb-a6bd-0eb91c03305a_story.html)
10. IMDb
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. IdRef
13. CONOR.SI
14. BBC Things
15. Google Knowledge Graph
16. The Movie Database
17. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
18. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
19. [Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno](https://ipac.svkkl.cz/arl-kl/cs/detail-kl_us_auth-0317068-Thomas-B-J-1942)