B.J. Thomas Diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer
Sad news out of Texas Tuesday evening (3-23) as it’s been revealed that country, Christian, and classic pop artist B.J. Thomas has been diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer.
The 78-year-old originally from Hugo, Oklahoma that rose to prominence from Houston, Texas is most famous for iconic songs like his country #1 “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” “Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love,” and his signature song, “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”
“I just wanted to take this unique opportunity to share my gratitude to Gloria, my wonderful wife and my rock for over 53 years, my family, friends, and fans,” B.J. Thomas said in a statement to the press. “I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to record and perform beautiful songs in pop, country, and gospel music, and to share those wonderful songs and memories around the world with millions of you. I ask all of you for your prayers during this time and that my music can live on with you.”
B.J. Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide with a total of eight #1 all-genre hits. The five-time Grammy winner and Grammy Hall of Famer scored multiple hits in country from the late 60’s into the 80’s, and “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was nominated for the CMA Song of the Year in 1975. From the album Reunions—which is considered by many to be his landmark country contribution—the song written by Larry Butler and Chips Moman also has the distinction of being the longest-titled #1 song in Billboard history.
Though Tomas spent large shares of his career recording pop, contemporary, and Christian music, country was always his compass point. His first ever single in 1966 was a cover of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams, which scored him a #8 hit on the pop charts.
Thomas says that he remains active and intends to continue to work while receiving treatment at a local health care facility in Texas, and hopes for a full recovery.
March 23, 2021 @ 6:54 pm
The Mrs. and I have been blessed to see him live, he is an outstanding entertainer and truly great interpreter of timeless songs. Prayers for his recovery!
March 23, 2021 @ 7:05 pm
Prayers for BJ and his family. One of the greatest voices ever in music. Whenever he would show up at those country reunion shows Bill Anderson would host, it was like he was in another league vocally, even as he aged.
March 23, 2021 @ 7:55 pm
Prayers to B.J. Thomas and his family.
March 23, 2021 @ 8:52 pm
Praying for BJ and his family. I’ve never heard someone else with a voice like his, incredible control of his pitch. His music is timeless and I hope he recovers
March 23, 2021 @ 8:58 pm
Praying for you BJ and your family!
March 23, 2021 @ 9:21 pm
It’s sad to see something like this happen to someone of B.J.’s stature; and it’s not likely that he’ll be able to survive this at the stage the cancer is at, even with chemo. We may yet have to say goodbye to the man in the not-too-distant future.
On an ironic note–the scene in BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID where “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” is used, as Paul Newman and Katharine Ross cavort around Ross’ Colorado abode, doesn’t have any rain falling in it whatsoever. No matter, since B.J.’s contribution, via Hal David and Burt Bacharach, was one of many in making the film arguably the most commercially successful Western in Hollywood history, not to mention a damned good one in a year (1969) that also saw TRUE GRIT, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, and THE WILD BUNCH.
March 24, 2021 @ 5:05 am
His version of ” I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” was better, IMO, than Hanks original-
Good luck my man!
March 24, 2021 @ 5:08 am
I have a friend who has had stage IV lung cancer for over 5 years and despite having chemo every other week for the rest of his life, he battles on!
Pray that BJ’s strong faith will lead through this.
Saw him several years back and just a wonderful, gifted performer and great storyteller too!
March 24, 2021 @ 6:38 am
My dad had it. He was really young at 52 and had an excellent prognosis. He only made it 7 months. It was almost completely gone two weeks before he passed. It was less than the size of a dime. He ended up getting a staph infection in the hospital. It exploded and nothing could be done.
Hoping for the best and he pulls through!
March 24, 2021 @ 6:00 am
“Raindrops” was my first favorite song.
March 24, 2021 @ 12:46 pm
I always liked “Rock and Roll Lullaby”. With both Duane Eddy AND the Beach Boys backing him up, how could it miss?
March 24, 2021 @ 6:44 am
That is very sad news. I absolutely love his voice. The song “Mama” on one of his earlier albums was so emotional for me. I love that song.
March 24, 2021 @ 8:09 am
I can remember my grandma and her friends always debating better singer/better looking between him and Elvis Ha
March 24, 2021 @ 8:34 am
I know it was a different time back in his day, but still, to sell 70 million albums is an incredible feat and acknowledges his impact and popularity.
March 24, 2021 @ 9:33 am
my heart goes out to bj and anyone else dealing with this disease . it throws lives into limbo and its effects can level not only the patient but everyone who knows and cares about him or her , as so many of us know firsthand .
March 24, 2021 @ 11:34 am
Fuck…lost three good friends to cancer last year, my mom has been fighting cancer for a year, and another good friend just got diagnosed with colon cancer yesterday. Really getting tired of this shit.
March 24, 2021 @ 8:46 pm
I was going to reply, but I don’t have the time or space to type “hey, won’t you play, another somebody done somebody wrong song.”
March 27, 2021 @ 12:46 pm
I was really sorry to hear this news. Fans of BJ’s may enjoy watching this video interview that The Tennessean published earlier this month, telling the story behind the song Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head: https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/story-behind-the-song/2021/03/05/story-behind-song-b-j-thomas-raindrops-keep-fallin-my-head/6894143002/