Grammy Winner Theron Thomas Shares His Journey

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When Theron Thomas stepped onto the stage to accept the Grammy for Best Songwriter of the Year, he didn’t just make history as the first Black man to win the award—he fulfilled a promise made decades earlier. “My dad told me when I was nine years old, ‘You’re going to win a Grammy,’” Thomas recalled. “After he passed, I made it my mission to make sure no one could ever call my dad a liar.”

From the Virgin Islands to Atlanta, Thomas’ journey in the music industry is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of staying true to one’s roots. Arriving in the U.S. with just $35 in his pocket, he and his brother Timothy charted an unlikely path from performing in talent shows to writing chart-topping hits for icons like Rihanna, Lizzo, and Doja Cat.

Growing up in St. Thomas, Thomas didn’t see many examples of Black success outside of politics or the streets. That changed when he moved to Atlanta in 2001. “I remember being at Lenox Mall and seeing Black people with Bentleys and Ferraris,” he said. “It was the first time I thought, ‘I can make it here.’”

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Thomas and his brother were determined to pursue music despite having little money and no connections. They lived off the kindness of friends and strangers, performing at talent shows to pay their bills. “We were young and stupid, but being stupid for our dream is what led us to living it,” Thomas said.

Even as he rose through the ranks of the industry, Thomas faced his share of challenges. After a period of working on Rihanna’s album with no releases, he found himself at a crossroads. Enter Lizzo. “We were both at a place where we felt a bit lost, but we needed each other,” he said. That collaboration reignited his career, leading to hits like “Truth Hurts” and an incredible run with artists like Saweetie, Doja Cat, and Ciara.

When reflecting on his career, Thomas emphasizes the importance of embracing both legacy and new talent. “I’ve worked with legends like Usher and new stars like Latto. I believe the key to my success is embracing both worlds. It’s about respecting the past while building the future.”

Despite his achievements, Thomas remains grounded, crediting his family for helping him navigate the complexities of success. “As a Black man, being successful can feel lonely. But focusing on being a husband and father first changed everything for me,” he shared. “When I started making choices based on what was best for my family, everything got a lot more fun.”

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For Thomas, the Grammy win isn’t the end of the journey but a milestone in a career driven by passion and purpose. “I’ve accomplished everything I dreamed of as a kid, so now it feels like I’m playing life in the bonus round,” he said with a smile.

Theron Thomas’ story isn’t just about the music—it’s about perseverance, faith, and the belief that dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem, are always worth chasing.