Irma Thomas

Irma Thomas (b. February 18, 1941, Ponchatoula, Louisiana) is a soul and rhythm and blues singer from New Orleans. She is known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans." Thomas is a contemporary of Aretha Franklin and Etta James, but never experienced their level of commercial success. Her only national hit was "I Wish Someone Would Care" in 1963, but she scored several other local hits in New Orleans. Today Thomas is perhaps best known outside of New Orleans for her recording of "Time Is On My Side," which inspired the hit version by the Rolling Stones. Otis Redding's hit "Pain In My Heart" was built on an earlier song, "Ruler of My Heart," by Thomas. Much of her most enduring work was produced by Allen Toussaint for Minit Records. She also recorded for Imperial, Chess, and Rounder.

Irma Thomas reigned as Queen of the Krewe du Vieux for the 1998 New Orleans Mardi Gras season.

Thomas is still active as a performer, appearing annually at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. She often headlined at her own club, the Lion's Den, which is now out of business due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina.


Irma was finally awarded a grammy for her 2006 Rounder album " After the Rain", after more than 40 years as singer.