of a Memphis performance and the 2007 release Live at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington, D.C., a long lost live recording of Thomas in 1967. She would also occasionally tour during the 1980s and became heavily involved in the “Artists in the Schools” program that provided Memphis schoolchildren with access to successful artists. These workshops were organized to talk to teenagers about music, performing arts and drug abuse. In 1991, she appeared with her father at the Porretta Terme Soul Festival. In 1993, Thomas was awarded the prestigious Pioneer Award, along with such musical heavyweights as James Brown and Solomon Burke, from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in honor of her career achievements. She was also featured in the 2003 documentary Only the Strong Survive, that was shown at the Cannes Film Festival and showcased important Stax recording artists. In 2021, Thomas featured on Valerie June's single "Call Me a Fool", which received a GRAMMY nomination for Best American Roots Song. Artistry Influences Carla's biggest influence was her father, Rufus. Besides accompanying him during his 'MC' days at the Palace Theater, Rufus also encouraged and believed in his daughter's ability. According to Carla, “My dad probably discovered I could sing before I did”. He was also instrumental in setting the stage for her Teen Town Singers gig and for actively pursuing and promoting her breakthrough single, "Gee Whiz". Musically, Thomas was inspired by Jackie Wilson and Brenda Lee. Awards and nominations Grammy Awards !! Ref. |- |rowspan="2" align="center"| 1968 | "The Queen Alone" | Best Female R&B Vocal Performance | | |} Discography Studio albums Live albums 2002: Live in Memphis (Memphis International) 2007: Live at the Bohemian Caverns (Stax/Concord) recorded live May 27, 1967 in Washington, D.C. Collaborations 1967: King & Queen (with Otis Redding) (Stax) – US #36, R&B #5 Compilations 1969: The Best of Carla Thomas (Stax) – US #190 1994: Gee Whiz: The Best of Carla Thomas (Rhino) 2004: Hidden Gems (Stax) previously unissued material recorded between 1960 and 1968 Singles As featured artist See also Rufus and Carla Marvell Thomas Notes References External links Stax Records fansite with Carla Thomas discography Carla Thomas biography at Oldies.com [ Carla Thomas] at Allmusic website 20th-century African-American women singers 1942 births Living people Musicians from Memphis, Tennessee Atlantic Records artists Stax Records artists 20th-century American singers 21st-century American singers 20th-century American women singers 21st-century American women singers 21st-century