Charlie Thomas, a famed musician who joined The Drifters in the 1950s, has died. He was 85.
Thomas' friend Peter Lemongello Jr. confirmed his death in a statement to Fox Digital News, stating that the musician died on Jan. 31. It also revealed that Charlie Thomas' cause of death was liver cancer.
He then noted that a funeral to remember Thomas and honor his legacy would be held on Feb. 16 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Landover, Maryland.
Lemongello posted a tribute on his Instagram page and shared photos of them.
"I have so many fond memories that we have spent together through much of my life growing up, that I will cherish forever. I can still hear Charlie proclaim 'Peter Is A Star!' which he would often tell me and whoever was around. I'll miss you forever Charlie!" part of the caption reads.
In a separate interview with The New York Times (via NME), Lemongello said Thomas was still able to tour with The Drifter for years before he slowed down when he became sick at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He told the publication that, despite his age, Thomas was active almost every weekend. But due to his health issue and the world's health crisis, he went from being active "to being at home."
It remains unknown when exactly Charlie Thomas was diagnosed with liver cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, liver cancer is one of the fast-growing types of cancer in the world. Among its symptoms include a swollen abdomen, a hard lump on the right side below the rib cage, jaundice, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, and weight loss for no known reason.
Charlie Thomas Receives Heartfelt Tributes
Tributes have poured for Thomas since the announcement of his death emerged. People close to him and his family posted messages in January before the news reached several outlets.
Adam Nelson wrote, "I had the great fortune of capturing the legendary Charlie Thomas of "The Drifters" as he sang his iconic chart topper 'Under the Boardwalk' on the historic Asbury Park Boardwalk. He was the very sound of the sea #RIP."
(1/2) In Memoriam: 1988 Inductee Charlie Thomas' elegant tenor vocals helped bridge gospel with R&B and blues and laid the foundation for 1960s soul music. His work with The Drifters ushered in a golden age of enduring hits like "There Goes My Baby," "Sweets for My Sweet," pic.twitter.com/VzaCAEPet1
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) February 7, 2023
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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, other artists, and supporters also shared messages on Twitter.
Thomas started his career with The Drifters in the late 1950s after the band's manager, George Treadwell, fired all the existing members following a disastrous concert in Harlem, New York City.
He initially performed with the band called The Five Crowns before moving on with another band. He played a huge role in making The Drifters earn its first and only Billboard No. 1 hit, "Save The Last Dance For Me."
Thomas also participated in some of The Drifters' songs. Including "When My Little Girl Is Smiling" and "Sweets For My Sweet."
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