—————————————————— RIP Gene Thomas: Swamp-Pop Singer of "Sometimes" Passes Away at 74 | Rocks Off | Houston | Houston Press | The Leading Independent News Source in Houston, Texas

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RIP Gene Thomas: Swamp-Pop Singer of "Sometimes" Passes Away at 74

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Thomas also appeared alongside B.J. Thomas (no relation) and Gilley at one of the first outdoor concerts ever held in Texas, a July 1965 show sponsored by Houston radio station KNUZ held at a ranch neighboring Garner State Park. B.J. Thomas performed his regional hit "Garner State Park," about the many Texas youths who would spend part of their summers at the picturesque Hill Country oasis outside Uvalde.

Another one of Gene Thomas' songs, "The Last Song," remains one of the most popular songs on the Garner jukebox to this day. A framed 45 of B.J. Thomas' "Garner State Park" is hanging above the door of the gift shop.

Gene Thomas is survived by his wife and son.

Special thanks to Vicki Welch Ayo.


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Chris Gray has been Music Editor for the Houston Press since 2008. He is the proud father of a Beatles-loving toddler named Oliver.
Contact: Chris Gray