Joe Thomas (Muskogee, Oklahoma, 23 December 1908 - 15 April 1997), was an alto saxophonist and songwriter. He was the brother of Walter "Foots" Thomas. He first went to New York City with Jelly Roll Morton in 1929. He then worked with Blanche Calloway and other bands during the 1930s, and with jazz musician Dave Martin during the early 1940s. He gave up playing to become a vocal coach and songwriter and later an A&R executive. References 1908 births 1997 deaths American jazz alto saxophonists American male saxophonists Songwriters from Oklahoma American male jazz musicians 20th-century American male musicians American male songwriters 20th-century American saxophonists