Leon Thomas
About
Amos Leon Thomas Jr (born 1937, died May 8, 1999) was an American avant garde jazz singer from East St. Louis, Illinois. He changed his name to Leone in 1974.
Thomas is best known for his work with Pharoah Sanders, particularly the 1969 song "The Creator Has a Master Plan" from Sanders' Karma album. Thomas's most distinctive device was that he often broke out into yodeling in the middle of a vocal. This style has influenced singers James Moody and Tim Buckley,among others.
Thomas studied music at Tennessee State University. He also worked with Grant Green, Jimmy Forrest, and Hank Crawford, Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams, Randy Weston, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Louis Armstrong, Carlos Santana, Freddie Hubbard and Oliver Nelson.
Thomas died of heart failure on May 8, 1999.
Upcoming events
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Up In The Sky Music Festival - Friday Pass - with John Summit, Empire of the Sun, Leon Thomas and more 2026 @ Buttermilk Ski AreaButtermilk Ski AreaFri 07.08.2026 14:30View event -
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Lenny Kravitz at Gunnersbury Park with Leon Thomas, Joss Stone & moreCrystal Palace BowlSat 15.08.2026 14:00View event -
Austin City Limits Festival - Friday - with Charli XCX, Skrillex, Turnstile, and more 2026 @ Zilker ParkZilker ParkFri 02.10.2026 12:00View event -
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Austin City Limits Music Festival (Weekend 2) 2026 @ Zilker ParkZilker ParkFri 09.10.2026 12:00View event
