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Rob Thomas |
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Rob Thomas, songwriter and lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, has emerged as one of today's most talented and successful songwriters. Thomas was born on a military base in Germany and grew up mostly in Florida. He dropped out of school at age 17 and floated around in different bands before settling down in Orlando. There he joined future band mates Paul Doucette and Brian Yale in a band named Tabitha's Secret. Eventually, Thomas, Doucette and Yale left to form Matchbox Twenty with Adam Gaynor and Kyle Cook. ASCAP member Matt Serletic discovered the band and helped them get a record deal with Atlantic Records.
After Matchbox Twenty released their debut Yourself or Someone Like You in 1996, they quickly scored two hit singles with "Push" and "3 a.m." Thomas' introspective lyrics about love and heartbreak touched the hearts of many listeners, and soon the band's music was all over radio and TV.
Thomas received even more critical acclaim and attention after lending his songwriting skills and passionate vocals to the Grammy-winning collaboration "Smooth" on Carlos Santana's Supernatural. From the minute the song impacted radio stations around the world, it became a monstrous hit and scored Thomas three Grammy awards in 2000 for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Thomas has also been honored as Billboard Songwriter of the Year for two years in a row.
Following the success of "Smooth," Thomas was sought after by Willie Nelson to pen several songs on Great Divide: "Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me)," "Won't Catch Me Cryin'" and "Recollection Phoenix." With this collaboration, Thomas proved his diversity and range as a songwriter. From adult alternative hits with Matchbox Twenty to Latin-flavored tracks with Santana to folky country songs with Willie Nelson, Thomas doesn't box himself in as a songwriter.
In 2000, Matchbox Twenty's second album Mad Season, also produced two more hits for the group — "If You're Gone" and "Bent." The group's current CD, More Than You Think You Are (2002), continues to build on the group's knack for creating catchy choruses that have a tendency to get stuck in one's head for weeks on end. Their first single, "Disease," which was co-written by Mick Jagger, and "Unwell," which topped the Adult Top 40, are both prime examples. Their album also includes stellar tracks like "Hand Me Down" and "All I Need." Thomas' soulful voice is part of what gives his music such palpable emotion and it's easy to see why his songs ring pure and genuine.
Matchbox Twenty is currently on tour to promote their latest CD. Check out their official site for more information.
