(January 24, 2017) Marvell Thomas, a noted keyboardist known for his immense talent and his family lineage, has died at age 75. Thomas was the son of Memphis Soul legend Rufus Thomas and brother of Carla Thomas, and he was the key piano player on many of the biggest hits coming from the Stax label.
In addition to his work on 60s Memphis classics from Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter and more, Thomas developed into a sought after musician and arranger during the 70s, working with such diverse stars as Etta James, the Emotions and Yvonne Elliman, and he later became the music director for Peabo Bryson.
Thomas’s also co-produced one of the all-time great soul albums, Isaac Hayes’s Hot Buttered Soul.
Thomas quietly played a pivotal role in the Golden Age of Soul Music, and will be mourned by music fans around the world.
