VANEESE THOMAS - crafting stories in blue with soul

Vaneese Thomas, daughter of Memphis music legend Rufus Thomas, continues to enrich the blues with her unique blend of soulful storytelling. In an exclusive interview with *Blues Matters Magazine*, Vaneese shared her thoughts on her latest album *Stories in Blue*, her musical upbringing, and her deep-rooted passion for live performances. Reporter Stephen sat down with the iconic artist, covering topics ranging from her family’s legacy to her diverse musical influences.

WORDS: Stephen Harrison PICS: Adam Kennedy

GROWING UP IN THE HEART OF MEMPHIS MUSIC

Vaneese grew up surrounded by the finest musicians, and it’s no surprise that her music reflects a variety of genres. She reminisced about her childhood in a vibrant Memphis music scene, where her father, Rufus Thomas, hosted the legendary amateur hour at the Palace Theater on Beale Street. She vividly described how she was exposed to everyone from jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Cab Calloway to blues legends such as B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland.

“My father was a DJ, and we had records coming in all the time,” Vaneese shared. “I was listening to everything from bebop to blues. It’s all in me, and it comes out in different ways.” It was clear that her diverse upbringing shaped her music, which she describes as an evolution of the blues.

Her Memphis roots run deep, and Vaneese believes her hometown played a key role in shaping the modern music landscape. “Memphis in the 1950s was a golden era,” she explained. “It was a time of great change in music, where blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll started to merge and cross over. The musicians who came through the city during that time laid the groundwork for what we hear today.”

Vaneese’s pride in her hometown is palpable, and she recognises the unique legacy Memphis has contributed to the world. “Memphis gave birth to a sound that resonated globally,” she said. “The musicians of that era—people like my father, B.B. King, and Elvis—opened doors for so many, including the British invasion with bands like The Rolling Stones, who took what we had in Memphis and brought it to the world.”

THE EVOLUTION OF BLUES

Vaneese is passionate about the idea that blues, like all art forms, is constantly evolving. When asked about her music blending blues, gospel, and soul, she replied: “The blues isn’t static. It evolves, and I try to express that in my writing. Blues isn’t just about sadness. It’s about life stories, and that’s why I named the album *Stories in Blue*.”

Her ability to blend different genres into her music is a testament to her deep understanding of the blues’ evolution. Stephen remarked how the album took him on a journey, particularly songs like *1917*, which transported him to a smoky jazz club, and *End of the Road*, which gave him a sense of hope rather than darkness.

“It’s so gratifying to hear that people connect with my music in that way,” Vaneese responded. “I want people to feel like they’ve stepped into another time or place when they listen. *1917* is about more than a year—it’s about an era when jazz and blues were coming into their own, and it coincides with my father’s birth, which makes it even more personal.”

Reflecting on the song *End of the Road*, Vaneese explained that while some might interpret it as dark, her

intention was quite the opposite. “People often think of ‘the end of the road’ as something negative, but for me, it’s about moving forward—on to another chapter, another journey. It’s more about hope and faith.”

COLLABORATION AND MUSICAL ROOTS

Although she grew up with siblings who were also musically inclined, Vaneese revealed that she didn’t initially see herself following the family tradition. “At an early age, I didn’t want to do music at all,” she admitted. It wasn’t until college that she “got the bug,” performing with friends and realising the importance of music in her life.

In addition to her solo work, Vaneese has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Wonder. However, it’s her 10 years working with Aretha that stood out as a highlight in her career: “Every night was a learning experience. Aretha had a way of performing that taught you something new every time.”

She described her time with the Queen of Soul as “a masterclass in music and performance,” noting that Aretha’s prowess on the piano and her ability to control a room were beyond anything Vaneese had ever witnessed. “She could take a song and transform it, and it was different every time. That’s what made her truly great. She wasn’t just singing; she was communicating something deeper.”

Vaneese also reflected on her experience working with legendary Muscle Shoals musicians. “They had this amazing ability to lay down the perfect track, no matter the genre,” she said. “They were a part of Aretha’s iconic recordings, and working with them was like being a part of history.”

THE MAGIC OF LIVE PERFORMANCES

For Vaneese, the stage is where her music truly comes to life. While she enjoys the creative process of songwriting and producing, it’s the live performances that complete the circle for her. “The end of the road for me is always performing live. That’s when you realise what a song is really about,” she said with palpable passion.

She also reflected on the intimate connection she shares with her audience, often finding smaller venues to be more impactful. “I recently performed at the Big Blues Bender in Vegas. The smaller venues gave me the opportunity to really see and feel the audience’s reaction. It was incredibly fulfilling.”

Vaneese highlighted the unique energy of small, intimate venues. “It’s one thing to perform at a large concert, but there’s something magical about smaller venues where you can really connect with the audience,” she said. “Those are the performances I cherish the most.”

She shared a story of seeing gospel and soul icon Mavis Staples perform at London’s Union Chapel, a venue known for its incredible acoustics and intimate setting. “To watch someone like Mavis perform in that space was transformative. The energy in that room was electric,” she recalled. Vaneese expressed a desire to perform there herself someday, calling it one of the best venues she had ever experienced as an audience member.

LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT’S NEXT?

With the success of *Stories in Blue*, Vaneese is already thinking about what’s next. While personal challenges may limit her ability to tour extensively, she is excited about the upcoming debut of the album in Memphis and hopes to continue performing in select venues. Her husband, who played a key role in producing the album, is especially eager for the world to hear it. “He’s really intent on getting this record out there, and I’m happy to go along for the ride.”

She emphasised how special the Memphis debut will be. “It feels right to bring this album to Memphis first, where it all began. It’s like coming full circle,” Vaneese said. “I

don’t know what’s next, but I know that this album is just the beginning of a new chapter for me.”

Despite some personal responsibilities that may keep her closer to home, Vaneese is determined to continue sharing her music with the world, whether through live performances or future albums. “Music is what I live and breathe,” she said. “And I don’t think I’ll ever be able to step away from it completely. It’s in my blood.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

As our conversation drew to a close, Vaneese shared some touching memories of her time with other legendary musicians, including the late Aretha Franklin. It’s clear that, while she may have learned from the greats, Vaneese Thomas is now one of the names future generations will look to for inspiration.

Blues enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly awaiting her next chapter—and no doubt savouring every note of *Stories in Blue* in the meantime.