Carla Thomas–the great Rufus Thomas’ daughter–experienced a first rate musical experience growing up in Memphis, Tennessee. The angelic Thomas was later dubbed the Queen of Soul and Stax Records’ crown jewel of female vocalists.
Thomas recorded on Satellite Records before the label changed its name to Stax. Her golden voice illuminated songs like “Gee Whiz”, “Let Me Be Good To You”, “I Like What You’re Doing to Me”, and “Tramp” (a brilliant duet with Otis Redding) made her irresistible.
Stax Records’ reissue of the re-mastered The Queen Alone unfolds the mysterious power of Carla Thomas’ talent. Concord Music Group’s release of this vintage album includes five bonus tracks. Two songs Thomas sang on this recording–“Something Good” (peaked at # 29 on Billboard charts) and ‘I’ll Always Have Faith In You” (reached #11 on the charts) sound remarkable.
Her voice acts like some elusive sedative on one’s soul. Thomas made very few recordings since the zenith of Stax records. The Queen Alone stands as an essential addition to one’s collection since it was recorded when Thomas’ career operated at an apex.
RELATED CONTENT
Carla Thomas Live at the Bohemian Caverns