Irma Thomas: The Influences

Irma Thomas returns to Music Inside Out for a whole new, fresh, hot buttered and yummy conversation. The Queen of New Orleans Soul pays her respects to some of her musical influences and talks about the bottom line of a Grammy Award. Turns out, there's a reason why they call it show business.

NPR has designated Irma Thomas' voice as one of the best ever. But a voice doesn't guarantee career success. From what Thomas says, more than 50 years on stage is a testament to her fans. Also in this episode, we give the last word to a virtual unknown in entertainment — you have to listen to find out!

Music Playlist

Classified  — Spotify | MOG
James Booker

Hip Shakin’ Momma — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

You Can Have My Husband — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

Wish Someone Would Care — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

Breakaway — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

Hip Shakin’ Momma — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

Personality — Spotify | MOG
Lloyd Price

Ain’t That a Shame — Spotify | MOG
Fats Domino

(They Call Me) Dr. Professor Longhair — Spotify | MOG
Professor Longhair

Sweet Little Angel — Spotify | MOG
B.B. King

Hi Ho Silver Away — Spotify | MOG
Roy Rogers

Tennessee Waltz —  MOG
Roy Rogers

That’s Life — YouTube
Pearl Bailey
The Ed Sullivan Show / CBS

Nothin’ for Nothin’ — Spotify 
Pearl Bailey

Time is On My Side — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

Hittin’ on Nothin’ — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas  

Simply the Best — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

Underground Stream — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

I Count the Tears — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

Flowers — Spotify | MOG
Irma Thomas

Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie — Spotify | MOG
Pintetop Perkins

Forever Young 
Irma Thomas

Classified
James Booker

Lush Life
Gavin Bell

This episode of Music Inside Out was produced by Lynette Johnson, Lily Keber, Jason Rhein, and Seán Collins. Special thanks to Matthew Goldman and Festival Productions, Inc.