“Sometimes we just need to smile and dance.” The Music of Abbie Thomas
By Donavan Barrier
Born in California as the daughter of a minister, Abbie Thomas said her childhood was “nomadic.” She grew up traveling around the Midwest and graduated from high school in central Indiana before moving to Goshen nine years ago, which she now considers her “adopted home.
“I started playing piano by ear when I was four or five, began singing with my mom in church around age seven, and picked up guitar and trumpet in middle school,” said Thomas “I was part of my high school choir and pep band, and that’s also when I started writing my own music—though I didn’t share any of it publicly until 2019.”
Thomas said some of her influences included Alicia Keys, Ella Fitzgerald and Tori Kelly, who Thomas said “used their voices like instruments” and “make you truly feel the lyrics”. However, her decision to become a singer was cemented after being exposed to fellow artist Lauryn Hill.
“I grew up listening to all kinds of genres, but Lauryn—and ‘90s R&B in general—just hit different,” Thomas said, “It was the emotion, the tone, the control in the vocals that really drew me in. There was so much feeling packed into every note.”
Since starting her music career, Thomas has released two albums, two EPs, and several singles. In 2023 and 2024, she was awarded the JMA Artist of the Year. Currently, Thomas is working on a series of singles that she plans to release later this year and hopes to branch out into film composing.
In the meantime, she tours with her backing band, The Crazy Hearts, throughout the Midwest and plans to tour between five and six states soon. She said she travels the Midwest primarily to be near her now four-year-old daughter.
As an artist, Thomas doesn’t just stick with soul music. Instead, she blends other genres, like jazz and film scores, into her sound. Her writing process involves focusing more on emotion, which she says doesn’t mix well on the radio.
She said that has kept her fans listening to her, and she was grateful to her audience for that.
“Mixing genres is like a plot twist in a movie—it makes your brain light up,” she said, “Pure genre songs often follow certain patterns, and I think that’s where my lack of formal music education helps me. I’m not tied to the rules, so I feel free to stray from what's expected. It keeps listeners guessing and engaged—and as a musician, that’s exactly what you want.”
Her latest album, Not Gonna Lie, had eleven total musicians work on it, including Grammy-nominated guitarist Will Kimbrough, who played with country music singer Emmylou Harris.
Some of Thomas’s most memorable performances included a 2019 performance at the Acorn Theater Singer-Songwriter Competition, where she gained encouragement from judge and Grammy Winner Jim Peterik, who told her never to give up her dreams. The second was in 2023 at the Lerner Theater in Elkhart, where she performed with the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra, opening for country music singer Clint Black.
“I've been incredibly fortunate to build a career I love—one that lets me be present for my daughter while also creating space for others to come together through music,” she said. “I’m so grateful to have found an adoptive home here that values connection, creativity, and community.”
Looking for that new song to slow dance to with your lover with this summer? Not Gonna Lie may be the song for you. The rich and acoustically lusty arrangement of downbeat blues rhythm is lifted by rich horns. Thomas and feature Corey Ronnell trade flying and emotional vocals weaving a message of the courage of lasting love.
Not Gonna Lie lyrics; “When it gets impossible, Hold on to the memories, Of first kisses, and last chances, And loves’ reveries, When it’s all too much, Don’t run away, That’s the time to be stubborn, Hold on to your lover, Keep your promise and stay.”
Mid July is a sweet lullaby to a child playing in the rain. “Oh that sweet relief, from that hot heat, Comfort falling from the sky, Rocking chairs hold us tight, In mid July, What a sweet delight, Like your tiny hand in mine, Oh, soon it will pass by, So for now, I'll close my eyes, and listen to life.” Thomas’ sweet voice is accompanied by simple guitars and violin.
The album is filled with rich and uplifting lyrics supported by beautiful arrangements. The honest feelings of her songs will have you wanting to sing along. You will relish the time you spend listening.
For more information about the band and recording information go to panolplymichiana.com.