Rob Thomas Biography

Source: http://www.robthomasmusic.com

As the driving force of matchbox twenty, Rob Thomas is widely acknowledged as one of the most distinctive vocalists and gifted songwriters in contemporary music. Since making their debut in 1996, matchbox has evolved into one of the most admired and consistently successful rock bands in recent history, with over 25 million albums sold worldwide.

As matchbox twenty’s primary composer, Thomas has penned a remarkable string of chart-topping hits, including “Push,” “3AM,” “If You’re Gone,” “Bent,” “Real World,” “Back 2 Good,” “Mad Season,” “Disease,” “Unwell,” and “Bright Lights.” matchbox has earned the distinction of having had more #1 hits and spending more weeks at #1 on both the national Modern AC and Adult Top 40 charts than any other artist in history.

Rob’s growing reputation as an exceptional songwriter has led to invitations to collaborate with a select list of artists – most notably Santana, for whom he wrote and sang the smash single, “Smooth,” which earned Thomas three Grammy Awards. He has also worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, Marc Anthony, Mick Jagger, and Bernie Taupin. Combining all of his projects, Thomas has contributed to the sales of over 75 million records. He has earned 13 BMI Awards, including both songwriter and song of the year, and he was named Billboard’s Songwriter of the Year two years in a row.

In June 2004, the Songwriters Hall of Fame presented Thomas with its first-ever “Starlight Award” – created to recognize a songwriter in the early years of his or her career who is already making a lasting impact. Rob’s composing talent has also been acknowledged with cover stories in American Songwriter (which named him songwriter of the year) and Performing Songwriter.

Among his many honors, in 2001 Rob was inducted into the South Carolina Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Thomas – who grew up in such South Carolina cities as Lake City, Turbeville, and Columbia – became the youngest-ever member of the Hall of Fame. The award placed him in the company of such South Carolinian legends as James Brown, Minnie Pearl, and Dizzy Gillespie.

Rob and his wife have established Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a non-profit organization created to aid those in need in and around America’s big cities – working with various charities to assist people who are destitute or homeless and get lost in the system; those who cannot afford proper medical care; and animals that have been abandoned or abused.

Sidewalk Angels Foundation takes its name from the lyrics to Thomas’ solo recording, “A New York Christmas.” First released in 2002, the single’s sales that year benefited Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, N.Y. Reissued for Christmas 2003, the single’s proceeds were given to Pets Alive, a no-kill animal shelter in Middletown, NY. In August 2004, a benefit concert in New York City featuring Rob, Jewel, Daryl Hall, and Rhett Miller raised over $100,000 for Sidewalk Angels, which in turn donated the evening’s proceeds to Pets Alive.

Born on a military base in West Germany, Rob spent much of his youth shuttling between his grandmother in South Carolina and his mom in Florida. After dropping out of both high school and his difficult home life, the 17-year-old drifted around the Southeast, hitchhiking and crashing where he could. The only constant in his life was music, an inspiring soundtrack that included artists ranging from Al Green and Van Morrison to Elvis Costello and Elton John. He released the pressures of his life in his songwriting, at the same time developing his signature vocal style while fronting a number of local rock bands – which ultimately led to the formation of matchbox twenty.

With the forthcoming release of his debut solo album, Thomas begins a new chapter in his remarkable musical journey.

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Rob is an inspiration to my music and life | Reviewer: Marilyn Gustavsson | 3/29/11

I fell in love with Rob the first time I heard his voice which perfectly fits his song...not only me but my oldest daughter Gail (she's really crazy about Rob).
Rob is a fantastic talented musician-writer, such unbelievable singer-songwriter, how wonderful to see that God made a creation like him.
I could see that Rob is not only an amazing artist but also a wonderful person inside.
I love his songs: Push, If You're Gone (which I have sung already in a small audience), and Unwell...and that one Disease....and that acoustic version of Her Diamonds. God bless you Rob !!!

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comforting | Reviewer: Laura | 7/17/10

The last 2 1/2 years have been tough for myself and family. There was never a time when i would listen to Rob Thomas' music that i didn't find comfort and peace in a song of his.My dad was fortunate to meet him (not under good circumstances though) at a cousins wake. I wasn't able to make it , so I did not get to meet him.I admire him and wish I could have had the chance to tell him.My dad was lucky to have met him and my cousin was fortunate to be friends with him.My dad has sinced passed last Oct.2009.I will forever be thankful for such deep and beautiful songs that mean so much to me. Whenever I hear Rob Thomas songs I think of my dad.Thank You Rob from the bottom of my heart!

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best damn thing | Reviewer: leeanna roze | 1/29/10

idc wat any one sez..yurr lyrics are touching.. ilu and im only like 14 and from a rezz but i know music better than i can walk...yurr a good writer and your voice is so hot and ....yurr the best damn thingg.i ussually listen to mean rap and kikass screamo...but you are an awesome singer..i can actually relate to it...and stand it...moreless countryy>>keepp onn the shiz

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(dada da da da) I'm lovin' him! | Reviewer: Hannah T | 12/1/09

I've listened to Rob Thomas ever since I was born! (Yes, I'm young) He ROCKS! I love Rob Thomas! He has such a great voice! His band, Matchbox20 is my favorite band!
*Well, I need you now! Do you think you can cope? You figured me out, that I'm lost and I'm hopeless! I'm bleeding and broken, though I've never spoken! I come undone. In this Mad Season*
If I saw him -the actual Rob Thomas in concert, I would SO faint!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -MB20 4ever-

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Smooth | Reviewer: Stephanie Apodaca | 10/13/09

Everything about Rob Thomas is Gold. His voice, his style and especially his writing. He always delivers such a great concert. This Oct will be my 6th time seeing him. My 1st time seeing him solo, without MB20. He is so dreamy!

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my future husband! | Reviewer: stacey | 10/6/09

rob thomas is the most brilliant song writer of his time. he knows what real music is all about. he reaches down in his soul and makes a song out of struggles and experiances in his life. the lyrics are so meaningful and i can relate to his songs, not to mention in my opinion he is one of the sexiest men alive!! (; i love you robert kelly thomas

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CRADEL SONG | Reviewer: Heidi | 8/14/09

Been a fan since the beginning. Heard that distinctive voice of Robs, I was HOOKED! Can't wait to see him in November in NY. The new CD is GREAT. Good Job. Saw him 2 years ago AWESOME. I tell everyone I know about the great music and lyrics he puts out there. Lines that you share and feel. So many of them. He's really reaching his audience. See you soon Rob!!! LOL

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I was there at the beginning | Reviewer: Johnny Graves | 5/6/09

I was the General Manager of the Embassy Music Hall in Orlando Florida in the mid 1990's, a place that helped launch matchbox 20. Rob or as we call him"Kelly" is a great person and was always so kind to me and my staff. I became great friends with his mom Mamie and spent time with her on the matchbox twenty tour with paula cole opening. I also spent many a days and nights partying with Mamie at her place in apopka.We are all very proud of you KELLY!!!!!!!

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Tabitha's secrete | Reviewer: Anonymous | 2/28/09

Rob Thomas before he was Matchbox 20. so much soul and heart. i love his voice and passion in all his music. in this original album he was lost and yet found out. im so glad to have had such pleasure in knowing this mans love for what he do. his music has seen me through more then words can say. i love the heart of it all.

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rob thomas | Reviewer: Anonymous | 3/3/09

He is an example for me.He has this unique personality that makes him so different from everyone by being such a brilliant musician and a wonderful person way ahead of anyone else.His music has been inspiring for me to get the best out of every moment in my life,good or bad moments.I hear his songs in my head all the time and everywhere i go.He is my idol,even though i can not sing...

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