Billy Joe Thomas [ 1 ] August 7, β May 29, was an American singer widely known for his country , contemporary Christian , and pop hits of the s, s, and s. He was the son of Geneva and Vernon Thomas. The Traits and the Triumphs held several Battle of the Bands events in the early s. The single sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc. In the same year, Thomas released a solo album of the same title on the Scepter Records label.
Five months later, the more successful single " Hooked on a Feeling " featured the sound of Reggie Young 's electric sitar ; it was first released on the album On My Way via Scepter Records. The song reached No. Its sales exceeded one million copies, with Thomas being awarded his third gold record.
After experiencing hits with Scepter Records , his label for six years, Thomas left the label in It was his first big hit since and secured him his fourth gold record.
It was the first Christian album to go platinum , and Thomas became one of the biggest contemporary Christian musical artists of the period. It appeared on his last pop album, which also included the adult contemporary hit "Still the Lovin' Is Fun". During the s, Thomas had little success on the pop charts, but some of his singles topped the country singles chart. Additionally, " Two Car Garage " reached No.
In , on his 39th birthday, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry. The first-season theme was a solo for Thomas; it was re-recorded as a duet with Jennifer Warnes for the second and third seasons.
