Raymond Thomas
December 29, 1941 - January 4, 2018
Ray Thomas, co-founding member of prog rock legends the Moody Blues, has died. The news was confirmed by Thomas' label Cherry Red Records, who said the former Moody Blues flutist/singer passed away suddenly last Thursday in his home in Surrey after a long battle with prostate cancer- which Thomas had been diagnosed with since 2014. Thomas was 76 years old.
Thomas began his career in music by joining the Birmingham Youth Choir sometime n the 1960s. Prior to the formation of the Moody Blues, Thomas was in several soul and blues groups. By 1963, Thomas was in El Riot and the Rebels with bassist John Lodge and keyboardist Mike Pinder. The following year, The Moody Blues were formed- with Thomas, Pinder, drummer Graeme Edge, guitarist Denny Laine and bassist Clint Warwick. The group would go through several line-up changes until 1967- when the group had found their classic line-up of Thomas, Pinder, Edge, Lodge and guitarist Justin Hayward. From 1967 to 1972, the band were at their peak with classic albums such as Days of Future Passed, In Search of the Lost Chord and To Our Children's Children's Children. The band were even able to nab hit singles with "Nights in White Satin" and "Question." The classic line-up came to an end in 1978 when Pinder left the band. Thomas would stay with the group until 2002 when he decided to retire due to his declinging health. Aside from his music with the Moody Blues, Thomas released two solo albums: From Mighty Oaks in 1975 and Hopes, Wishes and Dreams in 1976. Shortly before his death, it was announced that the Moody Blues would be inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame for the Class of 2018.
Thomas is survived by his wife Lee, who he married in 2009.
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