# Rob Thomas

> American singer (born 1972)

**Wikidata**: [Q754094](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q754094)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Thomas_(musician))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rob-thomas

## Summary
Rob Thomas is an American singer-songwriter and screenwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Matchbox Twenty and for his successful solo career. He has also made significant contributions to television as the creator of the acclaimed series *Veronica Mars*.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 14, 1972
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Attended the University of South Florida (specific degree not provided)
- **Known for**: Lead vocalist of Matchbox Twenty, solo music career, and creating the television series *Veronica Mars*
- **Employer(s)**: Atlantic Records (as a recording artist), Warner Bros. Television (as a screenwriter and producer)
- **Field(s)**: Music (rock, alternative rock), television (screenwriting, producing)

## Contributions
### Music
- **Matchbox Twenty**: Co-founded the band in 1995, which became one of the most successful rock bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The band's debut album, *Yourself or Someone Like You* (1996), achieved multi-platinum status and included hits like "Push" and "3AM."
- **Solo Career**: Released multiple solo albums, including *...Something to Be* (2005), which featured the hit single "Lonely No More." His solo work has earned critical acclaim and commercial success.
- **Awards**: Won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for "Smooth," a collaboration with Carlos Santana.

### Television
- **Veronica Mars**: Created and produced the neo-noir crime drama series *Veronica Mars*, which aired from 2004 to 2007 and was revived in 2019. The show starred Kristen Bell and gained a cult following for its sharp writing and complex characters.
- **Film Adaptation**: Directed and co-wrote the *Veronica Mars* film (2014), which was funded through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign.

## FAQs
**What is Rob Thomas best known for?**
Rob Thomas is best known as the lead singer of the rock band Matchbox Twenty and for his successful solo music career. He is also recognized for creating the television series *Veronica Mars*.

**What awards has Rob Thomas won?**
Rob Thomas has won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for his collaboration with Carlos Santana on the hit song "Smooth."

**What is *Veronica Mars* about?**
*Veronica Mars* is a neo-noir crime drama television series created by Rob Thomas. It follows the titular character, a high school student who works as a private investigator, solving mysteries in her corrupt coastal town.

**When was Matchbox Twenty formed?**
Matchbox Twenty was formed in 1995 and quickly rose to fame with their debut album *Yourself or Someone Like You* in 1996.

**What is Rob Thomas's educational background?**
Rob Thomas attended the University of South Florida, though specific details about his degree are not provided in the source material.

## Why They Matter
Rob Thomas has made a significant impact on both the music and television industries. As the lead vocalist of Matchbox Twenty, he helped shape the sound of late 1990s and early 2000s rock music, influencing countless artists and bands. His solo career further solidified his reputation as a talented songwriter and performer. In television, *Veronica Mars* redefined the teen detective genre with its gritty realism and feminist undertones, inspiring a new wave of complex female leads in TV. The show's revival also highlighted the power of fan-driven content and the viability of niche, critically acclaimed series in the streaming era.

## Notable For
- **Grammy Awards**: Won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for "Smooth."
- **Matchbox Twenty**: Co-founded one of the most successful rock bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- **Solo Career**: Achieved commercial and critical success with solo albums like *...Something to Be*.
- **Veronica Mars**: Created and produced the acclaimed neo-noir crime drama series, which gained a cult following and was revived in 2019.
- **Film Adaptation**: Directed and co-wrote the *Veronica Mars* film (2014), funded through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign.
- **Influence on Music and TV**: Shaped the sound of rock music and redefined the teen detective genre in television.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Rob Thomas was born on February 14, 1972. He attended the University of South Florida, where he likely developed his interest in music and songwriting.

### Music Career
#### Matchbox Twenty
Rob Thomas co-founded the rock band Matchbox Twenty in 1995. The band's debut album, *Yourself or Someone Like You*, was released in 1996 and achieved multi-platinum status. The album included hit singles like "Push" and "3AM," which helped establish the band as one of the most successful rock acts of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

#### Solo Career
In addition to his work with Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas has had a successful solo career. His debut solo album, *...Something to Be*, was released in 2005 and featured the hit single "Lonely No More." The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, further solidifying Thomas's reputation as a talented songwriter and performer.

#### Awards and Recognition
Rob Thomas has won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for his collaboration with Carlos Santana on the hit song "Smooth." These awards highlight his significant contributions to the music industry and his ability to create timeless, impactful music.

### Television Career
#### Veronica Mars
Rob Thomas created and produced the neo-noir crime drama television series *Veronica Mars*, which aired from 2004 to 2007 and was revived in 2019. The show starred Kristen Bell as the titular character, a high school student who works as a private investigator, solving mysteries in her corrupt coastal town. *Veronica Mars* gained a cult following for its sharp writing, complex characters, and exploration of social issues like class inequality and corruption.

#### Film Adaptation
In 2014, Rob Thomas directed and co-wrote the *Veronica Mars* film, which was funded through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. The film continued the story of the television series and was well-received by fans and critics alike.

### Influence and Legacy
Rob Thomas's work in both music and television has had a lasting impact on their respective industries. As the lead vocalist of Matchbox Twenty, he helped shape the sound of late 1990s and early 2000s rock music, influencing countless artists and bands. His solo career further solidified his reputation as a talented songwriter and performer.

In television, *Veronica Mars* redefined the teen detective genre with its gritty realism and feminist undertones, inspiring a new wave of complex female leads in TV. The show's revival also highlighted the power of fan-driven content and the viability of niche, critically acclaimed series in the streaming era. Rob Thomas's ability to create compelling, timeless content in both music and television has cemented his legacy as a multifaceted and influential artist.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. BBC Things
9. Carnegie Hall linked open data
10. YouTube API
11. The Movie Database