Billy Joe Thomas[1] (August 7, 1942 – May 29, 2021) was an American singer widely known for his country, contemporary Christian, and pop hits of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

He sang in a church choir in his teens and later joined the musical group The Triumphs[5] with Tim Griffith (lead guitar), Tom Griffith (bass), Denver "Zeke" Zatyka (keyboards), Don Drachenberg (vocal and sax), and Ted Mensik (drums).

Five months later, the more successful single "Hooked on a Feeling" featured the sound of Reggie Young's electric sitar; it was first released on the album On My Way via Scepter Records.

[9] In 1976, Thomas released Home Where I Belong, produced by Chris Christian on Myrrh Records, the first of several gospel albums.

[10] After his performance at Elvis Presley's 1977 memorial service, Thomas would continue record and tour extensively, but primarily on the gospel circuit, with forays into the country music scene.

[9] Thomas embraced his newfound faith, but sometimes clashed with fundamentalist Christian fans because he still performed his previous popular hits.

Thomas first released the track on his 1985 album Throwing Rocks at the Moon via Columbia Records.Thomas also wrote two books, including the autobiography Home Where I Belong and starred in the movies Jory and Jake's Corner.

On December 31, 2011, Thomas was the featured halftime performer at the 2011 Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.

It featured guest appearances with established and emerging vocalists, accompanying Thomas on seven of the album's twelve tracks.

[14] On December 3, 2013, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced that the 1969 single "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" by Thomas would be inducted into the 2014 Grammy Hall of Fame.

[18] Shortly after his career began, Thomas became dependent on drugs and alcohol, which led to his marriage nearly ending.

[17][20][21][22] On March 23, 2021, Thomas announced on his official Facebook page that he had stage IV lung cancer and was being treated in Texas.