Jerome (Jerry) W Thomas

Jerome Wayne Thomas (largely known as Jerry) was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 19, 1948. He was raised by a community of family members in Youngstown, Cleveland, and Los Angeles (California). Jerry was the first of three children born to Ida Bell Thomas. Jerry graduated from Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California, where he played basketball and developed his passion for architectural design. He continued his education at UCLA, where he studied architectural engineering, music, and business.

Jerry Thomas earned respect within the gospel industry as one of the most active composers, producers, and artists of our time. He was instrumental in gospel music for over 50 years. He produced and arranged numerous albums working with some of the most highly respected gospel artists in the business. Jerry traveled around the world spreading the gospel in song through concerts and workshops. As a clinician, lecturer, and spokesman for the gospel music industry, Jerry has received numerous awards and citations for his outstanding service. Among his many, many accomplishments, Jerry was the Executive Producer of the weekly gospel television show “Celebration” that was on channel 8 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the Director of his own production company and founder and President of the Christian Music Academy.

On the national level, Jerry has rendered his musical expertise, talent, skills, and service by serving as musician at numerous churches in Ohio, California, Florida, and Tennessee. Internationally, Jerry has worked with and is called the Godfather of the Stockholm Gospel Music Festival in Stockholm, Sweden. His international influence was also significant in London, England, Krefeld, Germany, and Vilnius, Lithuania.

Jerry’s influence will be heard in the music world for many years to come. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Bell Thomas and his brother, Jeffrey Thomas. His siblings, Krystal Thomas and Barbara Beall will continue to celebrate his life. He leaves his family behind to cultivate his legacy, Ayana Thomas (Sarai), Geoffrey and Hillary Thomas, Nicole and Richard Young (Noelani and Richard Jr.), Audrey Thomas, and Doris Warren. His God-Children (and their grands and great-grands) will cherish memories of him forever, Aja D. Graves, Shanina Anderson, Lisa Wallace, Shirlein Leggon, Melissa Allen, Irene Collins, Nicole McElrath, Mario Walker, Tameka and Koren McCollum.

It is impossible to capture all of Jerry’s accomplishments in one program, for one moment. He was simply amazing and his presence will live on through each of you. Keep telling his stories and sharing the many ways that Jerry Thomas impacted you!