Award-winning singer Timmy Thomas was born on November 13,1944 in Evansville, Indiana, to a family of 12 children. All of his siblings were musically inclined and received early music education by way of their father, a Methodist minister. During Thomas' senior year in high school, he won a scholarship to attend Stan Kenton's jazz clinic at Indiana University. He was also awarded a scholarship to Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and signed a contract with Goldwax Records in Memphis releasing his debut single, "Have Some Boogaloo."

In 1967, after working as an administrator at Florida Memorial College, he opened Timmy's Lounge in Miami. As a lounge owner, Thomas would find inspiration for his soon-to-be worldwide fame and after completing his Master's Degree in Mental Health, Thomas recorded the hit song "Why Can't We Live Together," which represented the reflection of worldwide hatred. He was able to get his record played on South Florida radio station WEDR, because the station would play music by local artists who were not yet signed to major labels. In 1973, "Why Can't We Live Together" was rated #1 on the R&B charts and #3 for Pop on Billboards singles charts. The hit song was later nominated for a Grammy award.

In 1991, Thomas signed with Brian Carter Music (BCM) in Germany and recorded "Glad To Be Back." Once again returning to the top in 1994, "Why Can't We Live Together" was the theme song used during the first free election for South Africa's President Nelson Mandela. "It seems wherever there is uncertainty or unrest in the world, no matter how small or big, my song gets recognized," said Thomas. Some of Thomas' other awards include certified gold albums in the U. S., South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia and certified gold singles in the U.S.

Appreciative of 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 in Miami. "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." His songs continue to impact society. Since composing the hit, "Why Can't We Live Together," it has been used countless times by other artists such as Steve Winwood, Sade and Santana, and for the movie "Radio," a movie about a mentally challenged African American man.

In addition to his storied music career, Thomas is also a community servant with affiliations in several community service, church and social groups, including: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Airlines Ambassadors, Ministry of Music at Trinity CME Church, and is also a 33rd Degree Freemason. Thomas is married to Lillie B. Thomas and the father of Litina, Tremayne, Travis & Tamara.