Kid Thomas wasn't just a Little Richard-clone, though his wild singing style and specially his incredible hairdo made him look like one. Actually he was a real blues man, a harmonica player, who named Little Walter (Jacobs) for his biggest influence and a teacher. Think 'bout that, unbelievers!
Kid Thomas was born Louis Thomas Watts on June 20, 1934, in Sturgis, Mississippi (I guess it may be necessary to mention, that this Kid Thomas is NOT the same person as Kid Thomas Valentine, famous jazz musician from New Orleans). Louis, alongside his parents V.T. and Virgie moved to Chicago in 1941. There he learnt to play the harmonica from a guy called Little Walter Smith, while he - in exchange - teached him to play the drums (Thomas' original instrument)! At that time he also got his nickname ('cause of his young age and tendency to a vicious lifestyle...).
At some point Kid founded an own group and they managed to get a recording session for King-Federal (which actually was just a demo session). In Cincinnati, April 18, 1957 they recorded eight tracks, and two of them ended up to be Kid Thomas' first single release: "Wolf Pack" (a.k.a. "Wolf Call") and its flip-side, Screamin' Jay Hawkins-soundalike "The Spell". Those two and the six unreleased songs ("Jivin' Mess", "Come Here Woman", "She's Fine", "Here's My Story", "Ride On, Ride On" and "Beulah Come Back" a.k.a. "Beulah Lee") were so tough harmonica rhythm'n'blues, that Kid made his way straight to the heavyweight. And even harder stuff was to come later!
In 1957 Kid Thomas heard 'bout Little Richard and changed his performance and outlook more into rock'n'roll. These two wild rockin' screwballs even met each other in 1957, and - the story tells that they really got along...
One day, two hitch-hikers from Kansas came to Chicago and saw Kid and the group doin' a rehearsal at the Cadillac Baby's, which was their regular stage club. A little bit later Kid received a letter from these same guys and they wanted to book him to play in Wichita, Kansas! So - Kid and his boys stole (!) a car and drove there, playin' couple of months regularly at the Sportsman's Lounge (working also with Hound Dog Taylor, whom he had previously known in Chicago) - until the band (and the car) broke up and Kid had to return to windy city (Kid had some shorter club-vacancys in Wichita also after that).
The future didn't look very rosy for Kid and he spent several years doin' minor part-time jobs and some occasional club gigs. At that time he worked for instance with Magic Sam and Otis Rush. Thomas got back to Wichita in 1958 and then to Denver, Colorado. Not until he settled in Los Angeles, California, in the late 1958 or early 1959, he could finally continue his musical bizness seriously. That moment really came true in 1960, when music-backgrounder and the Modern Records' A&R man George Mottola produced his single on Brad Atwood's TRC-Transcontinental label (Mottola made a hit "Goodnight My Love" for Jesse Belvin in 1956 and co-wrote the Eddie Cochran/Jimmy Madden-song "Jeanie Jeanie Jeanie" with Rickie Page. He also worked with Lee Hazelwood makin' "Lou Be Doo" for Sanford Clark). "Rockin' This Joint Tonite" backed with "You Are An Angel" was an A-class rock'n'roll-single, real wild and furious stuff. Kid plays his harmonica like a saxophone and howls like a madman! The record itself was even a tiny success in Chicago, although the TRC Records folded right after its release. Anway, it gave Kid enough courage to set up a new gig group. The Rhythm Rockers toured around all through the first part of 1960's, doin' club gigs, playin' mostly twist and other hip-music.
In the mid 60's Thomas contracted with L.A.-based Muriel Records, that waxed two his singles under pseudonym Tommy Louis (and the Rhythm Rockers). The first release included "The Hurt Is On" and "I Love You So", which were basic blues ballads with funky incluences and sharp Buddy Guy/B.B. King-styled guitar solos (by Kid's regular guitarist Marshall Hooks). On the contrary, the second Muriel-release was like a flashback from Kid's rock'n'roll past: a truly blast-off full of speed, anger and lunacy! To make a long story short, "Wail Baby Wail" backed with "Lookie There" were simply the best kind of rockin' r'n'b that anyone made anywhere in 1965!
Sadly none of Muriel singles succeeded and the next years Thomas had to make his living by singin' in private parties and lousy beer joints, like Cozy Lounge in South East Los Angeles. In the late 60's he made a single for Cenco-label. In this last studio session Kid recorded instrumental songs called "Cozy Lounge Blues" and "Willow-brook", and a new version of "You Are An Angel" (the last two were the single-songs). Still in the same year a blues researcher Daryl Stolper made him an interview, that was originally published on Blues Unlimited no. 72 in May of 1970 - just a month later Thomas' tragic death.
Thomas, who lived then in Beverly Hills, worked as a lawn mowin' man. He owned a pick-up, that he used in his work. On September 3, 1969, a 10-year old boy was ridin' his bicycle, when he was struck by a van driven by Thomas, and died. Thomas got arrested and charged of manslaughter and drivin' with a revoked license. Finally the homicide case was dismissed because of insufficient evidence, but he was due back in court on the latter charge. Outside the courthouse waited the dead boy's father, who pulled out a gun and shot him down. Kid Thomas, 36, died almost immediately at 9:20 a:m at UCLA Medical Center, Beverly Hills on April 5, 1970. He left behind a wife and children.
Jus' stoppin' by 2 thank U 4 b-in a friend and inspiration!! Hope ur holiday season is filled with love, peace and funky music! Take care & stay creative!
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