More than six billion people live on the planet, and yet relatively few human voices are recognizable to the naked ear.
Irma Thomas has one of those voices.
For more than 50 years, Thomas has written, recorded and lent her voice to some of the most precious songs that Louisiana has ever produced. Now music lovers all over the world know the contralto that she calls, "Irma's sound." This week, Music Inside Out with Gwen Thompkins makes way for the Queen of New Orleans Soul.
Keep it down, y'all. Miss Irma is speaking.
Music Playlist
Classified
James Booker
(You Can Have my Husband But) Don't Mess with My Man
Irma Thomas
Hip Shakin' Mama
Irma Thomas
Wish Someone Would Care
HBO's Treme
Wish Someone Would Care
Irma Thomas
Wish Someone Would Care
Irma Thomas
Lipstick Traces
Benny Spellman
In the Middle of it All
Irma Thomas
It's a Man's-Woman's World
Irma Thomas
Breakaway
Irma Thomas
If I Had and Sense I'd Go Back Home
Irma Thomas & Dr. John
Hold Me While I Cry
Irma Thomas
Heart of Steel (feat. Irma Thomas)
Galactic
Boogie Chillen'
John Lee Hooker
Back in the Saddle Again
Gene Autry
Ask What You Will
Irma Thomas
True Believer
Irma Thomas
This episode of Music Inside Out was produced by Lynette Johnson, Margaret Howze, Jason Rhein, Rachael Buckley and Seán Collins. Engineers are Jenni Lawson and Thomas Walsh.