At the tender age of 10, he was known as Lil Tommy. He and Major Harris of "Love Won't Let Me Wait"
fame, put together their first quartet, called the "Teenagers"
They open for several major league recording artist, such as Sam Cooke, Mary Wells,
Fat's Domino, and blues legend Jimmy Reid. The Teenagers stayed together for several years.
The Teenagers went on to perform and win Amateur Night at the Apollo in the late 60's as
Lil Tommy and the Parakeets.
Later changing their name to "Lil Tommy and the Out of Sights".
Tyrone recorded his first release at the age of 14. "I'm Hurt" which he also wrote.
The release of "I'm Hurt" took him on his 1st Tour.
Opening for LC Cooke and The UpSetters (The UpSetters formally Lil Richard's Band)
Featuring Mr. Gene Burkes and Mr. Grady Gains two of the worlds most exciting Saxophone Players
and a young Mr. Melvin Sparks on Guitar.
In his hometown Richmond, Va. Tyrone open for Recording Artist "Brooks O'Dell” singer of hit
"You Better Watch Your Step" at The Coliseum on 1st and Clay, (aka) The Shimmy Hole.
When Brooks O'Dell heard this young man's voice he immediately contacted a friend,
who turned out to be none other then Writer, Arranger and Producer Mr. Jerry Williams, Jr.
Tyrone was having problems with his management and getting paid.
He decided to take Brooks O'Dell up on his offer to come to Philly and meet Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams (aka) Swampdogg produced and recorded Tyrone's 1st Album. Creating a whole new image and name "WOLFMOON".
The Album did not have the success they both hoped for. So Tyrone returned to Richmond.
With his drumming and vocal skills it wasn't long before he was asked to help put together a new band, called
"The Brother Love" and they were HOT.
Tyrone continued to hone his skills as a drummer. Later putting together a band called "Nobody's Children".
In the early 70's they became Patti Labelle and the Bluebells back up band. Again touring and opening shows
for artist such as Tyrone Davis, Kool and the Gang, The Delfonics, and The Moments, to name a few.
"Nobody's Children continued to be Patti Labelle's back up band. They were performing at Lord Price's
Turntable, when Patti Labelle was suddenly stricken with a serious throat illness.
Thus ending the career of "NOBODY'S CHILDREN.
He has also played with several other bands; "Smoke" was a great band that played locally in Richmond,VA
and the surrounding states. Smoke was known for their great music, but also their stage act and costumes.
White Hair, Flashy Clothes and Flying Smoke. Fans would show up and later say they came for the stage show but stayed because they rocked.
Tyrone's career as a drummer continued, he performed with blues legend Swampdogg, Doris Duke,
Charlie Whitehead, Freddy Scott, Smoking Joe Frazier's (Knock Outs) and The Sweet Inspirations.
After being on the road for several years, Tyrone once again returned home to Richmond, VA.
Putting his master plan in effect where he went on to create the self contained group
"THE WHOLE DARN FAMILY" and wrote "SEVEN MINUTES OF FUNK"
one of the most sample songs by various Hip Hop artist today.
"SEVEN MINUTES OF FUNK", has been sample by JAY-Z & FOXXY BROWN,
FAITH EVANS & JA RULE, EPMD, RED MAN, KEITH MURRAY, ERIC SERMON,
Q- TIP, WU TANG, THE ALCOHOLICS, GRAVE DIGGERS, WYCLEF JEAN, LIL BOW WOW and most recently the BAD BOY ll Soundtrack.
Tyrone's other hits include love ballads "Fly Away Love Bird" "I'm Hurt"
and "You're Hardly Gone", which remains today a very sort after recording all over the world.
Released on Polydor and re-released on a compilation CD in the 80's.
This Richmond, Va. native now resides in the Big Apple where he continues to write,
arrange and produce. Pioneer, entrepreneur, visionary, producer and composer.
In his catalog he has amassed over 200 songs.
Adult Contemporary combined with undeniable funk, soulful song writing skill of R&B,
Jazz and Hip Hop make up his unique sound.
He now owns Indie label "BUTAH BEAT RECORDS", "MOBUTAH PRODUCTIONS and "ALLTHOMS MUSIC, BMI.
Tyrone Lil Tommy Thomas's Friend Space (Randomized)
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