User:Hiram Thomas

Hiram F. Thomas was born September 8, 1953 in Scaterioux, France where he lived until the age of three. In 1956, Hiram and his parents moved the Los Angeles, California. Hiram always had an interest in music. In particular, he liked Horns. And as a result, Hiram first started learning the Flute in elementary school. However, by 1963, the family moved again to Carson, California. Hiram started playing Baritone Saxophone in the Junior High School Band, under the direction of Mr. John Gantly, and he also played in the Jazz Band. Hiram had his first recording debut, during a spring concert at Carnegie Junior High in 1966. Hiram started a neighborhood band and performed at school talent shows. By the time Hiram graduated from Banning High School in 1968, he had become fairly popular in Carson, Wilmington, and the Sand Pedro areas, and as a result, he got together with the hottest musicians on the campus. Hiram continued to perform at school talent shows, dance parties, as well as night clubs. However, one day Hiram’s mothers cousin who is an accomplished piano player, laid down a three cord progression that later became part of Hiram’s first full composition “She Is Sweet She Is My Baby”. By 1970, Hiram was writing several new songs a month. Hiram’s first big break in the music industry came a few years after high school. A Hollywood record producer was out scouting for talent at Southwest Junior College in Los Angeles where Hiram’s father was the Vice President and assistant Dean of the campus. The event was a kind of career fair sponsoring companies and job offerings in the area. Hiram’s mother who was at the event met Jim Chieflott and told him about her son Hiram. From that point, Hiram made his first professional recordings. As a result, Hiram had the opportunity to do some studio work as a session musician for several artists. About 6 months later Jim presented Hiram with an opportunity to work for MGM Records as a member of the “Incredible Bongo Band” sponsored by Michael Viner, along with being in the backup band for Foster Silvers. At the time Foster had a hit single called, “It’s Just a Misdemeanor”. Hiram accepted and as a result, started touring, and performing at concerts. Hiram’s first major concert was held at the “Shrine Auditorium” where he performed on the same ticket with the “Ohio Players”. Hiram made his first television debut appearance on the Dick Clark, American Band Stand Show. However, there were internal conflicts developing in the band along with the 1975 gas embargo and as a result, the rhythm section continued to back Foster and Horns stayed home. However, one night Hiram received a call from his producer. Jim said that Hiram was in the door and a record deal was in the works. However, the company was only interested in Hiram. Hiram turned down the deal because he wanted to pull in the entire band. This decision that Hiram made ended the relationship between Hiram, Jim, and Hollywood? Several years past and Hiram has had the itch to go back into the recording studio. And in 1977 recorded his first hit song called “Skin”. The tune took off and was played on many radio stations. However, the song was recorded on an indie label, and the producer was trying to land a record deal with a major. After about six months the ride came to an end. In 1980 Hiram released on his Fann-Ann Record label, 2 singles, “I Love You”, and “I’m Coming Home”. “I Love You” got local air play on KJLH, FM for several months. Hiram then decided to return back to school where he earned a bachelor degree in computer science and a master degree in business administration. Hiram is currently a software engineer at a major Aerospace Corporation. After completing his MBA, Hiram has decided to release some of his tunes online. The songs are a cool mix of Jazz, and R&B. The songs on this site are available for digital down loading as well as CD orders. Hiram is currently working in the recording studio lying down more hot tracks. After over 35 years, the groove is still in his blood.