Nicky Thomas

Cecil Thomas (30 May 1944 – 1990), known as Nicky Thomas, was a Jamaican-born reggae singer who enjoyed considerable chart success in Jamaica and in the United Kingdom at the start of the 1970s.

Early life

Cecil Thomas was born and raised in Portland Parish, Jamaica. He began work as a labourer in Kingston where he worked alongside future members of The Gladiators. His opportunity to cut some records came when the former Jiving Junior and producer, Derrick Harriott wrote and produced "Run Mr Nigel Run" for Thomas. A huge Jamaican hit, the song led to him being known as Mr Nigel for a time. He was also successful with "Come Home" a song from the same session.

This was followed by a successful association with producer Joel Gibson better known as Joe Gibbs, for whom Thomas recorded the plaintive "Running Alone" and "Lonesome Road" issued in 1969 as by Cecil Thomas, as well as a version of "Let It Be" credited to Nicky Thomas. Thomas' collaboration with Gibbs resulted in a number of hits including "Don't Touch Me", "Mama's Song" and "God Bless The Children". Thomas and Gibbs also covered a number of well regarded R&B hits that included Tyrone Davis' "Turn Back the Hands of Time...

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