Marvell Thomas

Who is Marvell Thomas?

Marvell Thomas is an American keyboardist known for his work in Memphis Soul and son of the man dubbed "Memphis's other King", Rufus Thomas. His sister Carla Thomas was known as the Memphis Queen after her breakthrough hit "Gee Whiz."

Marvell's studio career started at the age of 17. He was the first piano player to punch the clock at Stax Records. He played on the label's earliest national hits, including "Burnt Biscuits", childhood friend William Bell's "You Don't Miss Your Water", and the company's very first hit "Cause I Love You", a duet by Rufus and Carla Thomas. He also played on some of the legendary Wilson Pickett sessions at Stax and at Muscle Shoals. More sessions at Muscle Shoals included Clarence Carter, Eddie Hinton, and Denise LaSalle.

Thomas worked frequently as keyboardist and arranger, appearing on albums by Johnnie Taylor, The Staple Singers, Little Milton, The Emotions, Albert King, Mavis Staples, Yvonne Elliman, and Etta James.

Thomas co-produced and handled the keys on the multi-platinum Isaac Hayes album Hot Buttered Soul.