B.J. Thomas, the voice behind timeless hits like “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” and the soul-stirring “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” marks a remarkable 50 years since his first million-selling gold record. This five-time Grammy Award winner, who has sold over 70 million albums, isn’t resting on his laurels. Instead, this celebrated pop, country, and gospel singer maintains an active touring schedule, bringing his iconic sound to audiences worldwide. His upcoming performance at the Chevalier Theatre in Medford on December 3rd is a highly anticipated event, set to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Medford, Somerville, and Greater Salem.
From his Texas home, Thomas recently shared reflections on his enduring musical journey, his cherished family, memorable collaborations with Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and exciting plans for new recordings.
Q: What can fans expect from your Chevalier Theatre show?
A: The setlist will be packed with familiar favorites. I plan to perform virtually every hit record from my career, alongside a couple of gospel selections. Given the holiday season, and knowing some attendees might request a Christmas song, I’ll certainly have some festive tunes prepared as well.
Q: Your music has become a significant part of many people’s lives. Can you recall the first time you heard one of your songs on the radio?
A: That’s a vivid memory. I was driving in Houston when my song “I Know It’s Wrong” came on the radio. It was surreal, going from disbelief to the realization, “Yes, that’s me.” I was with The Triumphs at the time, and we were working closely with local Top 40 stations, playing dances and sock hops, which thankfully led to radio airplay.
Q: “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” a song written by the legendary Burt Bacharach and Hal David for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” became one of your signature hits, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in 1970. It also garnered an Academy Award and Grammy Hall of Fame induction. What was it like collaborating with Bacharach and David on such iconic music?
A: Burt Bacharach possesses an incredible presence, a real Hollywood aura. I truly enjoy being around him. I remember being upfront with him, asking if I could bring my own style to his songs. He agreed, with the condition that I first sing each song exactly as written. As long as I had the right key, we connected, and I could incorporate my own vocal nuances. Burt and I recently performed together, and he’s as brilliant as ever – a true master. Hal David, who sadly passed away in 2012, had a different personality than Burt. He was more of a ‘guy’s guy,’ and I admired him greatly. His lyrics were simply exceptional. The depth and emotion he could convey were remarkable.
Q: Do you have a personal favorite among your many songs?
A: My feelings towards each song are unique and evolve over time, evoking different emotions at different moments. “Raindrops” undeniably changed my life, and I still love performing it. However, even if I hadn’t recorded it, I would have been content, having “Hooked on a Feeling.” That track, along with “Lonesome,” which was our first major national hit, are probably my top favorites. We never anticipated “Lonesome” becoming a hit. We recorded it at 5:30 AM after an all-night studio session; it was initially a B-side. My father, a devoted Hank Williams fan, was overjoyed by that record. He would frequently request it from local radio stations, so much so that they’d recognize his voice and greet him with, “What do you want to hear today, Mr. Thomas?”
Q: You and your wife, Gloria Thomas, have been married since 1968. What’s the secret to such a long and happy marriage?
A: Gloria and I have always been deeply in love and committed to each other. Much of the credit goes to Gloria for her unwavering support. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had my soulmate by my side, especially through challenging times. I’ve been sober for many years now and am focused on healthier living. Gloria has had an overwhelmingly positive influence on both my life and career. She co-wrote “New Looks for an Old Lover,” which reached number one in country, and has contributed to my gospel music as well. We are blessed with three daughters, three granddaughters, and a grandson, 4-year-old Billy Joe Thomas Moore. In my son-in-law’s family, naming the firstborn son after his maternal grandfather is a cherished tradition.
Q: Have any of your children or grandchildren shown interest in show business?
A: Gloria toured with me for 15 years, and our children spent summers on the road with me. My daughters have some writing and singing talents, but I never pushed them towards a music career. I was actually relieved when they didn’t express a strong desire for a life on tour, as it allowed them to have more conventional lives. My grandchildren also show musical inclinations, writing and singing a bit. Just recently, Billy Joe and I were singing “Rock and Roll Lullaby” together in the car.
Q: What does the future hold for B.J. Thomas?
A: I still find immense joy in performing concerts and feel restless when I’m not touring. So, I plan to continue performing, although at a more moderate pace these days. I no longer feel the need to be on the road for months at a time, and I’ve traded tour buses for flights. I’ve also been feeling a strong pull to create new music. I’m considering various directions, but I plan to write at least three or four new songs and explore making a new album. The studio environment has always thrilled me. Creating something new in the recording studio, collaborating with talented musicians, and experiencing that creative spark is incredibly satisfying. It’s about capturing that magic and, hopefully, creating something that resonates with listeners, perhaps even inspiring someone to feel “high on believing” in the power of music, just as I always have.
B.J. Thomas Performance Details:
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m.
WHERE: The Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St., Medford
PRICE: $35-$65
INFO: 781-391-7469, BJThomasLive.com
