Cecil Thomas (30 May 1944 – 1990), known as Nicky Thomas, was a Jamaican‑born reggae singer who enjoyed considerable chart success in Jamaica and the United Kingdom at the start of the 1970s. Cecil Thomas was born and raised in Portland Parish, Jamaica. He later worked as a labourer in Kingston, where he worked alongside future members of The Gladiators. His opportunity to record came when former Jiving Junior and producer Derrick Harriott wrote and produced “Run Mr Nigel Run” for him. The song became a major Jamaican hit, leading to Thomas being nicknamed “Mr Nigel” for a time. He also found success with “Come Home”, recorded during the same session. Thomas then began a productive association with producer Joel Gibson (better known as Joe Gibbs). For Gibbs, he recorded the plaintive “Running Alone” and “Lonesome Road” (released in 1969 under the name Cecil Thomas), as well as a version of “Let It Be” credited to Nicky Thomas. His collaboration with Gibbs produced several hits, including “Don’t Touch Me”, “Mama’s Song”, and “God Bless the Children”. Together they also recorded covers of well‑known R&B songs, such as Tyrone Davis’ “Turn Back the Hands of Time”, “(Baby) Can I Change Your Mind”, and Tony Joe White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia”. In 1970, Thomas topped the Jamaican charts with “Have a Little Faith”, which reportedly sold 50,000 copies upon its UK release. It failed to chart officially in the UK because most sales occurred through specialist shops not counted by chart compilers. In mid‑1970, Nicky Thomas’ interpretation of the Winstons’ “Love of the Common People” became a major UK hit, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart. This success led to a European tour and Thomas’ relocation to the United Kingdom.
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Is It Because I’m Black?
Have a little faith
We People
Love Of The Common People
Don’t Touch Me
B.B.C.
London
If I Had A Hammer
Doing The Moonwalk 1991 Full Album
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