Carla Thomas

Carla Thomas on vinyl: the queen of Memphis soul

In short: Carla Thomas (b. 1942) from Memphis, daughter of Rufus Thomas, is called the “Queen of Memphis Soul”. As a teenager she sang “Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)” – one of the first national hits for the label that would soon be called Stax. Later she sang duets with Otis Redding, including “Tramp”. The Vinyl Room currently has 5 Carla Thomas records.

What makes Carla Thomas special?

Her voice sounded sweet and powerful at once – perfect for the Memphis soul of Stax, with horns and Booker T. & The M.G.’s behind her. The album “Carla” (1966) brings the hit “B-A-B-Y”.

“The Queen Alone” (1967) came out in the same year as her duets with Otis Redding. “The Best Of Carla Thomas” gathers her Stax successes.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Carla Thomas

→ Stax · Otis Redding · Soul · Soul & funk on vinyl

FAQ

Why is she called the “Queen of Memphis Soul”? Because of her many hits for Stax in Memphis in the sixties.

Who did she sing “Tramp” with? Otis Redding, in 1967.

Who was her father? Rufus Thomas (1917–2001), singer and entertainer from Memphis (“Walking The Dog”).

Which records do you have? Records from the sixties – 5 records in all.