What was BJ Thomas’ net worth? Grammy winner dies at 78, a look at his record sales and royalties
Known best for his classic rendition of ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ which also earned him an Academy Award and ‘Hooked on a Feeling’, singer BJ Thomas breathed his last on Saturday, May 29. He was 78. The Oklahoma native died due to complications from lung cancer. Thomas had announced in March 2021 that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. He is survived by his singer-songwriter wife Gloria Richardson, their three daughters namely Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.
The news of the singer passing was shared on his official Twitter account with a photo and the caption that read, “It is with profound sadness we confirm the passing of BJ Thomas.” At the time of his diagnosis, the five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee had shared an official statement in March saying, “I just wanted to take this unique opportunity to share my gratitude to Gloria, my wonderful wife and my rock for over 53 years, my family, friends, and fans” adding “I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to record and perform beautiful songs in pop, country, and gospel music, and to share those wonderful songs and memories around the world with millions of you. I ask all of you for your prayers during this time and that my music can live on with you.”
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It is with profound sadness we confirm the passing of BJ Thomas. pic.twitter.com/l2zrmtfmKw
— BJ Thomas (@TheBJThomas) May 29, 2021
Early life
Born in rural Hugo, Oklahoma, Billy Joe Thomas grew up in Houston, Texas with his family where he got influenced by different music genres. From pop to country and rock and gospel, Thomas knew it all. His major influences came from the traditional country of Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams Dr to the soulful sounds of Jackie Wilson and Little Richard. The versatile crooner first began singing in church as a child and later joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.
Thomas first tasted success in 1966 when he lent his vocals to ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ for Scepter Records. The hit single peaked at number eight on the pop charts and became his first million-selling single. Thomas then released another single called ‘Mama’ and also dropped a solo album later that year. Thomas’ second million-selling hit single came in the form of 1968’s ‘Hooked on a Feeling’ from his sophomore album called ‘On My Way’. The talented singer later got signed with Paramount Records and dropped two albums ‘1973’s ‘Songs’ and ‘1974’s ‘Longhorns & Londonbridges’, however, it was the 1975 album ‘Reunion’ on ABC Records that further catapulted him to fame. His song “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” holds the distinction of being the longest titled number one hit ever on Billboard’s Hot 100. Thomas who, blended country, soul, gospel and soft rock, went on to sell more than 70 million records in his much-celebrated music career.
What was BJ Thomas’ net worth?
In his career spanning more than close to six decades, BJ Thomas released a total of six full-length projects earning various awards through his lifetime. Like a lot of musicians, BJ Thomas also earned a huge amount of money from record sales, album tours, royalties, and lucrative brand endorsements. According to the website Celebrity Net Worth, the late singer was valued at an impressive $5 million. The singer did go through a rough patch when he fell into drugs and battled substance abuse but after his wife, Gloria stood by him like a rock pillar, he quit drugs and became a believer in 1976. He then dropped a gospel album with Myrrh Records in 1976 adding another feather to his cap. This also won him a Grammy.
Apart from Gospel music, he also ventured into country music and earned more popularity with singles like ‘Happened to Old Fashioned Love’, ‘New Looks from an Old Lover Again’, ‘The Whole World’s in Love When You’re Lonely’ and ‘Two Car Garage’ among others. In 2013, Thomas released his last album called ‘The Living Room Sessions’ which celebrated his nearly six decades in the music industry.
