Vaneese Thomas Dedicates New Album To R n’ B Legend… Her Father

By W. A. Muller

Vaneese Thomas, daughter of R n' B legend Rufus Thomas will be launching her latest album this June 17th, 2014 with a performance at New York's The Cutting Room – the venue that has propelled several singers to stardom over the years including Lady Gaga.

Vaneese possesses one of the great voices of our time. Part of a musical royal family that includes her father – Rythum and Blues pioneer Rufus Thomas and chart-topping sister Carla Thomas, Vaneese has brought her vocal styling to hundreds of recordings.

Her father Rufus' recording career in the 1960s and early 1970s encompassed several hit records, "Walking the Dog" (number 5 R&B, number 10 Pop), in 1963. The early 1970s brought him three major hits, including "(Do The) Push and Pull" in 1970, his only number one R&B hit (number 25 Pop). Earlier that year, "Do the Funky Chicken" had reached number 5 R&B and number 28 Pop. A third dance-oriented release in 1971, "The Breakdown" climbed to number 2 R&B and number 31 Pop.

Vaneese has made a career of her profound vocal talent – initially as a backing singer to well known performers and now releasing her own albums. Although Vaneese actually never expected to go into the music business as she puts it herself, "But God had a plan and I was regarded as having the talent." Aerosmith's Steven Tyler bows when he greets her and Aretha Franklin rarely performs without Vaneese being on stage to provide a powerful backing vocal.

This new project, the first of her five albums to feature blues shows another side to the versatile singer. She digs deep and taps into her southern heritage to bring forth a roots album that is authentic and true. Every track adds to the blues and soul legacy that is hers to claim. Vaneese dedicates her album to her legendary father whose work will never be forgotten.

The album, due to launch this June 2014 and is available on iTunes (itunes.apple.com/us/artist/vaneese-thomas/id4417904), features collaborations with Carla Thomas, Buddy Williams, Marvell Thomas, Lisa Fischer, Kirk Whalum, Will Lee, Shawn Pelton, Paul Shaffer, Fonzi Thornton and Alan Gorrie. The album is released by Segue records.

For more information concerning Vaneese Thomas please visit:
www.vaneesethomas.com

For details of The Cutting Room and to obtain a ticket please visit:
www.thecuttingroomnyc.com