Biography
In the professional path of New Orleans jazz reed player and vocalist Joe "Cornbread" Thomas, the savory nickname stood out with rare clarity, much as an oversized slab of cornbread would have during the potato famine. The memorable handle helped distinguish this skilled musician—who remained active in traditional jazz well into advanced age—from the trumpeter of the same name, the Kansas City saxophonist who later directed the Jimmie Lunceford band, and the flutist whose recording of “Plato’s Retreat” became a hit.
Thomas ranks as the oldest of these similarly named artists, entering the world nearly a decade before the 1909 births of both the brass player and his Kansas City counterpart. Jelly Roll Morton numbered among the first bandleaders to employ him, and the Morton sessions involving Thomas have stayed in circulation. Early examples of his work also surface on the New Orleans jazz anthology Prelude to the Revival, Vol. 1.
During the 1960s and 1970s Thomas performed extensively with various New Orleans revival groups, some led by European and Scandinavian musicians. Partnering with the colorful Kid Sheik Cola, he appeared under the additional billing Brother Cornbread, efforts preserved on a sequence of live dates issued by Jazz Crusade. In later years he continued to shine as a soloist, receiving featured placement in Barry Martyn’s Living Legends Band Featuring Joe “Cornbread” Thomas. He also worked and recorded with Peter Nissen’s New Orleans Jazz Band.
Thomas ranks as the oldest of these similarly named artists, entering the world nearly a decade before the 1909 births of both the brass player and his Kansas City counterpart. Jelly Roll Morton numbered among the first bandleaders to employ him, and the Morton sessions involving Thomas have stayed in circulation. Early examples of his work also surface on the New Orleans jazz anthology Prelude to the Revival, Vol. 1.
During the 1960s and 1970s Thomas performed extensively with various New Orleans revival groups, some led by European and Scandinavian musicians. Partnering with the colorful Kid Sheik Cola, he appeared under the additional billing Brother Cornbread, efforts preserved on a sequence of live dates issued by Jazz Crusade. In later years he continued to shine as a soloist, receiving featured placement in Barry Martyn’s Living Legends Band Featuring Joe “Cornbread” Thomas. He also worked and recorded with Peter Nissen’s New Orleans Jazz Band.