Full interview with songwriter and record producer KEITH THOMAS (Amy Grant - BeBe & CeCe Winans - Vanessa Williams)
[Originally recorded 02-07-23)
Dean Olson
StrongWriter On the Radio
* Listen to Keith's Interview with Dean! *
Featured Guest: KEITH THOMAS
Songwriter / Record Producer
LEGENDARY PRODUCER AND PROLIFIC SONGWRITER KEITH THOMAS CELEBRATES THE KENNEDY CENTER HONORS WITH CHRISTIAN POP CROSS OVER ARTIST AMY GRANT AND UPCOMING WHITNEY HOUSTON BIOPIC ‘I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY’
New York, NY – (December 12th , 2022) – Legendary producer and songwriter Keith Thomas is ending his year with quite a bang. Thomas was boots on the ground celebrating as longtime producer and friend of Christian Pop Crossover artist Amy Grant as she received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor Award. Thomas known for the culture shifting co-write and production of Grant’s ‘Baby Baby’ to countless other co-writes and productions throughout Grant’s stellar career stood in awe as Grant received her honor. “The KCH events with Amy Grant invoked a wide range of emotions; the most intense being Gratitude! Thirty plus years working with this uniquely gifted woman (Grant) often leaves me speechless!” says Thomas. Grant is reflective of her feelings as well by saying “The amazing and crazy whirlwind of the KCH experience brought into sharp focus of all the many talented and gifted people who have come alongside of me like Keith Thomas, through the decades to add their gifts and talents to mine. None of us gets anywhere by ourselves! says the Honoree. Throughout the thirty plus years in Thomas’ career has brought him to work with some of pop’s elite. With names that he has worked with like these: Selena, Luther Vandross, 98 degrees, Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, Vanessa Williams, James Ingram, Peabo Bryson, Debora Cox, Regina Belle, Tatyana Ali, Yolanda Adams, Wild Orchid, Mandy Moore, Heather Headley, BeBe & CeCe Winan’s amongst others it is clear that without Thomas’ magical touch he is definitely the maestro with these hitmaking songs to these hitmaking artists. As if this wasn’t enough to celebrate Thomas will be among the star-studded premiere of the new Whitney Houston’ biopic ‘I WANT TO DANCE WITH SOMEBODY.’
Keith having a long-standing working relationship and almost being a third member of BeBe & CeCe Winans had co-written with BeBe Winans a track called ‘DON’T CRY’ for the duo’s album ‘HEAVEN.’ The song will be used in the ‘I WANT TO DANCE WITH SOMEBODY’ film. Thomas’ favorite memory of the ICON known as Whitney Houston, “BeBe and I were riding in a limo with Whitney headed to the Grammy’s. Bebe and I would engage in a ‘riff challenge’ where I tried to keep up. As I began to parrot one of Bebe’s ridiculous moves, Whitney shook her finger at me and said “No, no, no….Keith, don’t sang, don’t sang!” Whitney left a hole in all our hearts” “I am beyond honored to be apart of this film and the history telling the story of such a truly one-of-a-kind person!” says Thomas.
With the end of the year being wrapped up in such a present for Thomas, 2023 promises to have some exciting things around the corner for the illustrious producer. “I am excited to be working across tech and getting back into working with some legendary artists and doing what I love and that is bringing music to the masses” declares Thomas.
© Copyright 2023 – StrongWriter Productions
Any additional music used is for illustrative purposes only and no infringement is intended. “Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.”
Amy Grant BeBe & CeCe Winans Dean Olson Keith Thomas Michael Omartian Producer Selena Songwriting StrongWriter On the Radio Vanessa Williams