Carla Thomas
American R&B and soul singer Carla Thomas (born December 21, 1942), widely known as the "Queen of Memphis Soul", played a foundational role at Stax Records (formerly Satellite Records), helping transition the label from country and pop to rhythm and blues.
Born and raised in the Foote Homes housing projects in Memphis, Tennessee. She is the daughter of Memphis music legend Rufus Thomas and sister to musicians Vaneese and Marvell Thomas. At age 10, she joined the Teen Town Singers, a group of high school performers sponsored by the WDIA radio station, despite being under the age requirement.
She balanced her early career with academics, earning a Bachelor of Science in English from Tennessee State University in 1964 and later attending graduate school at Howard University.
In 1960, she recorded "Cause I Love You," a duet with her father. Later that year, she released the solo hit "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)," which she had written at age 15. The song became a national sensation, reaching the Top 10 on both the pop and R&B charts.
Thomas is celebrated for her work with Otis Redding, most notably on the 1967 album King & Queen, which featured the hit single "Tramp". She was a featured performer at the 1967 Stax/Volt Revue European tour and the historic Wattstax concert in 1972.
After Stax closed in 1975, her recording activity slowed, though she remained active in the Memphis community through the "Artists in the Schools" program. More recently, she featured on Valerie June's 2021 Grammy-nominated single "Call Me a Fool".
Honors and Legacy:- Inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2013; Received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award in 1993 and the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. She was featured in the 2003 documentary Only the Strong Survive, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Carla
Organ, Arranged By [Uncredited] – Booker T. Jones
Written-By – Porter, Hayes
2:49
A2 Red Rooster
Written-By – Dixon
3:55
A3 Let Me Be Good To You
Written-By – Wells, Porter, Hayes
2:40
A4 I Got You, Boy
Written-By – Thomas
2:45
Medley (5:25)
A5a Baby What You Want Me To Do
Written-By – Reed
2:21
A5b For Your Love
Written-By – Townsend
3:04
B1 What Have You Got To Offer Me
Written-By – Thomas
2:46
B2 I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Written-By – Williams
3:22
B3 I Fall To Pieces
Written-By – Cockran, Howard
3:09
B4 You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
Written By – Robbins
Written-By – Donaggio, Napier & Bell, Wickham, Pallavicini
3:25
B5 Fate
Written-By – Thomas, Hayes, Cross
3:08
B6 Looking Back
Written-By – Hendricks, Benton, Otis
4:20
Label: Stax – STAX 709
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1966
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Funk
Carla Thomas's 1966 self-titled album, Carla, is a quintessential Memphis Soul record on Stax Records, showcasing her powerful voice with hits like "B-A-B-Y" and "Let Me Be Good to You," blending original hits with soulful covers of standards like Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster," backed by the legendary Stax house band (Booker T. & the M.G.'s) for a potent display of her versatility and role as the 'First Lady of Stax'.
A key release for Stax Records, marking a peak in their Southern Soul sound, featuring iconic tracks such as "B-A-B-Y," written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, and the classic "Let Me Be Good to You". A blend of R&B, soul, and Memphis Soul, defined by heartfelt vocals and tight instrumentation.
Includes powerful interpretations of country ("I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry") and blues ("Little Red Rooster") standards, demonstrating her broad appeal.
Supported by the famed Stax rhythm section, including Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper, providing that distinctive Stax groove.
In essence, Carla solidified Carla Thomas's status as a leading voice in soul music, bridging pop sensibilities with deep R&B roots for Stax Records.
Love Means...
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
A1 Didn't We
Written-By – Jimmy Webb 3:34
A2 Are You Sure
Written-By – Homer Banks, Raymond Jackson 3:16
A3 What Is Love?
Written-By – Carla Thomas, Marvell Thomas 3:21
A4 Daughter, You're Still Your Daddy's Child
Horns [Memphis Horns] – Andrew Love, James Mitchell, Wayne Jackson
Written-By – Jeana Roker, Marvell Thomas 5:50
B1 Love Means You Never Have To Say You're Sorry
Written-By – Carla Thomas, Deanie Parker, Marvell Thomas 3:27
B2 You've Got A Cushion To Fall On
Electric Bass – Donald "Duck" Dunn
Piano – Rudy Robinson
Written-By – Homer Banks, Raymond Jackson 3:12
B3 Il Est Plus Doux Que
Electric Bass – Donald "Duck" Dunn
Piano – Rudy Robinson
Written-By – Tony Hester 3:27
B4 Cherish
Written-By – Terry Kirkman 4:46
B5 I Wake Up Wanting You
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher, Bobby Manuel, Carla Thomas, Marvell Thomas 3:19
Carla Thomas's Love Means... (1970) marked a shift from her earlier Memphis soul hits to a more orchestrated, pop-leaning sound, featuring lush arrangements and sentimental themes, which some critics found a departure from her grittier Stax roots but still showcased her vocal talent, with the title track being a standout for its groove. While a solid album, reviewers often paired it with Memphis Queen in reissues, sometimes noting the reverse chronological order detracted from hearing her development, but ultimately praising her consistent quality as the "Queen of Memphis Soul".
The album moved away from raw funk towards softer, orchestrated pop, reflecting Thomas's comfort with tender lyrics and melodies.
The powerful Stax rhythm section, including the MG's, still contributed, adding depth even to the pop-oriented tracks. The title track, "Love Means," provided a welcome groove with its bluesy bassline, while "What Is Love?" also stood out as a self-penned track.
It's considered a strong effort, but its move towards smoother sounds sometimes felt at odds with the Stax powerhouse sound, though it remained a quality record.
In summary, Love Means... is a well-regarded album in Carla Thomas's catalog, showcasing her versatility and sweet vocal delivery within a more polished, pop-soul framework, even if it wasn't as raw as some of her earlier work. It's a solid, sentimental listen that highlights her enduring talent.