Bio

Saxophonist and Vocalist Michael J Thomas is not just another name in contemporary urban jazz; he is a trailblazer who consistently pushes the boundaries of the genre. After initially being signed to a record label, Thomas made the bold decision to go independent—a move that quickly paid off with his first #1 trifecta hit, "Baby Coffee," topping the Billboard, Smooth Jazz Network, and Mediabase charts in 2017/2018. With an uncanny ability to blend smooth jazz with popular hits, Thomas captivated audiences again with his rendition of Lady Gaga’s hit from A Star is Born, "I’ll Never Love Again," which became his second #1 Billboard smash in 2019. His innovative approach continued with his silky, light funk single "Sippin’ the Yak," which hit #2 on the charts, remained in the Top 5 for nine weeks, and rounded out 2020 on Billboard’s Year-End Smooth Jazz Songs chart at #5. Adding to his unique profile, Michael is also a talented singer, with his first Billboard top 20 hit, the vocal-featured "I Think About Amy," showcasing his versatility.

Beyond his musical prowess, Thomas's business acumen, honed as the former Sales & Marketing Director at Ruth's Chris Steak House, allows him to create his own marketing initiatives, including graphic design and promotion. In 2024, he stepped down from this role to focus solely on his music career while continuing his 18-year entertainment residency there. This dual career showcases his dynamic skill set and dedication to both his artistic and professional endeavors, making him a distinctive figure in the world of contemporary urban jazz.

Michael's music has received global radio airplay and has been featured on Sirius XM’s Watercolors and in the Warner Bros. film Contagion, starring Matt Damon and Laurence Fishburne. He is also a GRAMMY® voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

LATEST RECORDING NEWS

In 2022/23, Michael released an EP titled Outside The Door, featuring his first original holiday song, “It’s Christmas,” co-written and recorded with Grammy-nominated vocalist MAYSA. The song received national airplay on SiriusXM Watercolors and Holiday Soul. The EP also includes contributions from guitarist Chieli Minucci of Special EFX, legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker, and Nashville’s renowned horn band The Smoking Section. The single “The OG Bounce” from the EP peaked at #15 on the Billboard charts and finished the year at #24 on the year-end chart. Outside the Door broke new ground as the first smooth jazz genre recording intended to be mixed with Dolby Atmos technology. This revolutionary sound format adds height channels to existing surround sound systems, creating a three-dimensional audio experience. The EP was released on platforms supporting Dolby Atmos, including Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon.

ON STAGE

Michael's diverse musical talents and adaptable performance style shine in his dual roles as a working musician. In Northwest Florida, he performs four nights a week as the in-house entertainer at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, focusing on singing everything from Frank Sinatra to Bruno Mars, with occasional Grover Washington, Jr. and David Sanborn tunes. On tour, Michael wows crowds with his powerful saxophone performances and original material, bringing high energy and emotional depth to his shows. When the charismatic, always sharply dressed Michael takes the stage on tour as the star, he unleashes the full power of his sax and gets the crowd grooving and swaying to his hits and mostly original material, bringing high energy and emotional depth to his shows.

Over the years, Michael has performed at prestigious events like the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, Los Cabos Jazz Festival, and venues including the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola (opening for Acoustic Alchemy), Golden Nugget Casino in Reno, NV, The Velvet Note in Atlanta, and The Louisville Palace. His shows are known for their emotional journey, starting with high energy, slowing down for passionate ballads, and ending with a rousing finish. Michael’s natural charisma and connection with the audience make every performance a memorable experience.

Besides his synergy with the audience, Michael's favorite part of performing is the dynamic interaction with his band members. He lets the music drive the performance, creating a natural and engaging live show.

THE EARLY YEARS

Though surrounded by country music while growing up in the small town of Cecilia, Kentucky, Michael J Thomas’ parents thankfully filled his childhood with a steady stream of legendary R&B/pop artists who would later become muses – Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Thomas studied piano at the age of seven and switched to saxophone in seventh grade—shortly after discovering contemporary jazz artists like Yellowjackets and Dave Grusin on a Technics demo disc that came with a stereo his dad purchased. It was in his high school jazz band rehearsal one late evening when all his ear training and emulation of other saxophonists finally came together. The band was performing a run-through of Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” that had a transcribed alto sax solo from which Thomas deviated. He says, “For some reason it all came together in an instant while taking the solo lead. It finally clicked, and I could improvise. The band and the Director were so impressed that they stopped playing the song and applauded me. It was really at that moment that my musical journey began.”

By his senior year in high school, he was performing in the All-State Jazz Band and was honored with a John Philip Sousa Award. He earned a music scholarship to the University of Kentucky but left school early to pursue his professional career. Thomas was 19 when he joined the Jive Rockets, which opened for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Bill Haley’s Original Comets. Relocating to Destin, Florida, Thomas’ busy gig schedule has allowed him to both play sax and sing in a wide array of genres.