Famous American pop/country singer, Billy Joe Thomas has died at the age of 78. The singer’s management made the announcement that Thomas had passed away of complications from stage 4 lung cancer yesterday. He had been diagnosed of the illness in March this year.
Thomas had been receiving treatment for the illness at a hospital in Texas, USA. Although, there was hope for a quick recovery, unfortunately, the sickness took his life. However, Thomas reportedly died at his house. The Oscar Award winner is best known for classics like, ‘Hooked on a Feeling‘ and ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head‘.
The latter was featured in the late ’60s film, ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid‘. It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. In addition to this, Thomas was nominated for a Grammy in 1970 for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for the same song.
BJT dies at 78
Thomas got famous for his hit song “Hooked on a Feeling“. The love song was a huge success and it did very well on the charts at the time. It also got him mainstream success and went on to sell over a million records. Thomas is also well known for his cover of Hank William’s 1949 classic, ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.’
Thomas also did the theme song to the popular American ’90s sitcom ‘Growing Pains‘. The song was titled ‘As Long As We Got Each Other.’ Years later, many singers continue to sing covers to Thomas’ classic ‘Hooked on a Feeling‘. The song quickly became a Valentine’s Day favourites wired into stuffed animals exchanged by lovers.
The most famous cover to the song was sung by the American band, Blue Swede. That version was featured on Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Thomas went on to serve the world timeless tunes like, “Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” “Rock and Roll Lullaby,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” and “Don’t Worry Baby,”.
He also delivered several gospel music albums such as “Home Where I Belong.”