Timmy Thomas

The Song that Continues to Live
 By Sean Hillegass,  04.06.05

The trajectory of success can be odd and unpredictable. And it seems the longer you are around, the stranger it becomes. Timmy Thomas, who came unto the national music scene in 1973 can relate to this probably as well as anyone.

In 1972, Thomas who was a school administrator by day and bar owner/musician by night wrote a song titled " Why Can ' t We Live Together. " By the following year, the song topped the music charts.

The Path to Success
Thomas was born November 13, 1944, in Evansville, Indiana. He was one of 12 children, all of whom were musically inclined. His music education came by way of his father, a Methodist minister. Instead of hiring a pianist the Thomas children learned how to play the piano, and all spent time with the instrument on Sundays.

During his senior year in high school Thomas won a scholarship to attend Stan Kenton' s Jazz clinic at Indiana University. As a result, he was then awarded a scholarship to Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. Soon after that, Thomas signed with Goldwax records in Memphis releasing his debut single, "Have Some Boogaloo. "

In 1967, Thomas graduated with a Bachelors of Art in music from Lane College. After working as an administrator at Florida Memorial College for several years, he opened up his own lounge - Timmy ' s Lounge - in 1972. It was during this time that Thomas would find inspiration for his soon-to-be worldwide fame.

Thomas called his song " Why Can' t We Live Together, " because it was a reflection of all of the hatred and hurt around the world.

"At the time I wrote the song, I couldn 't pick up the newspaper and fathom all the hurt that was going on, " he said. " It wasn't so much a racial thing as much as what was going on in places like Vietnam and in the Middle East between Israel and Egypt."

Song Takes World by Storm
"When I walked into the Dukoff recording studio we did ' Why Can ' t We Live Together ' in one take. The sound engineer, Bob Dukoff put a microphone by my foot, one by my left hand and another for me to sing in. I did it in one take that lasted less than five minutes, " Thomas said.

Thomas was able to get his record played on radio station WEDR because during certain times of the day, the station would play music by local artists who were not yet signed to major labels.

"The first time my song was played the response was tremendous; the phone lines lit up, " he said. " The next day it was played the response was the same.

On the third day Henry Stone of T. K. records was listening and he picked up the rights to the song for national distribution," he added.

Chart-Topping Success
In February, 1973 "Why Can't We Live Together" reached number one R&B and number three Pop on Billboards singles charts. It went on to sell six million copies, and was nominated for a Grammy award. Throughout the 1970's Thomas continued to have chart success with songs such as "People Are Changin'," "What Can I Tell Her," and "I've Got To See You Tonight." In 1984, he signed with Gold Mountain Records, and returned to the record charts with "Gotta Give A Little Love," which was a sequel to "Why Can't We Live Together."

In 1991, Thomas signed with Brian Carter Music (BCM) out of Germany. Thomas recorded another version of "Why Can't We Live Together" on his album for BCM records titled "Glad To Be Back." However, it was the song "Dying Inside To Hold You" that would prove to be the major hit. "That song (Dying Inside To Hold You) was a number one hit in Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia along with a number of other countries in the Pacific region," Thomas said. Initially, when my album was released in Europe 'Why Can't We Live Together' was released as the single and in Germany it topped the charts. Somehow the album made its way to Southeast Asia and 'Dying Inside To Hold You' took off."'

Where is Thomas Now?
"Why Can't We Live Together" once again returned to top the charts in 1994. South Africa was holding their first free election, and Thomas' song was used as the theme song.

"It seems that where ever there is uncertainty or unrest in the world no matter how small or big my song gets recognized and is played," Thomas said. Although Thomas appreciates his influence and success around the world, he recently began a new chapter in his musical career. In 1995, Thomas began teaching music at Shadow Lawn Elementary School, where he continues to work today.

"I prefer to teach music at the elementary school level because I'm dealing with young people who I can get to appreciate the classic composers like Mozart, and Beethoven," he said. But even though Thomas has walked away from the recording studio, his songs continue to live and impact society. In 2003 "Why Cant We Live Together" was recorded by Steve Winwood, and Thomas' version was on the movie "Radio," a movie about a mentally challenged African American man.

Thomas Reflects on Career
On the 32nd anniversary of "Why Can't We Live Together" topping the charts, Thomas offered his thoughts on the song that catapulted him to top of the charts: the song has a great message.

"The song means a lot to me for a number of reasons, one is that it was incredibly successful. It took me to the top of the music charts time and time again the world over," Thomas said. "As for the success part I know it happened and continues to do so, but I'm afraid to think about it just in case it is a dream I don't ever want to wake up!"

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