I love teaching kids! Passing all I know is a way to preserve my legacy.
A two-time Grammy winner, one of the world’s greatest hand percussionists known worldwide for his creative technique and innovative style, Robert Thomas cannot gained notoriety for his many years with Joe Zawinul and as the Weather Report legend and innovator.
Born in Miami, Thomas was encouraged by his fifth-grade teacher to play music, and not having an instrument, he learned to play percussion on his desk.
Thomas has shared the stage with many of the world’s most famous musicians such as Carlos Santana, Ahmad Jamal, Monty Alexander, Weather Report, David Sanborn, Stan Getz, Salif Keita, and Jaco Pastorius, to name a few.
The year 2015 started with a blast when he received an invitation from Monty Alexander to join him in Washington, D.C., to perform as a guest soloist at the prestigious Blues Alley Jazz Club located in Georgetown. He received standing ovations and a personal greeting from the Attorney General who attended the show with an entourage of White house officials.
Robert Thomas, also a member of The Zawinullegacy Band, recently completed two documentaries on the life stories of Joe Zawinul and Jaco Pastorius of Weather Report fame. Bobby T. holds the distinct honor of being the only musician to have played in every one of Joe Zawinul’s bands. Thomas is also featured in Peter Erskine’s eBook 2015 release.
In February 2016, he was the featured guest of Monty Alexander at Lincoln Center, New York City.
Today, Robert “Bobby T” Thomas Jr. continues to produce original music which features his virtuoso drumming and vocal artistry.
Percussionist Thomas and band shine in fusion realm
BOBBY THOMAS, JR. aka BOBBY T.
Percussion and Drum Faculty
Improvisation at Hand Drum
Click for a video – Monty Alexander – David Danced (Come Sunday)
