Forrest (singer)
Forrest Melvill Thomas Jr.[2] (April 21, 1953 – September 9, 2013),[1] known professionally as Forrest, was an American singer, based in the Netherlands.
Forrest | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Born | April 21, 1953[1] Galveston, Texas, United States |
| Died | September 9, 2013 (aged 60)[1] Tilburg, Netherlands |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1982–2013 |
| Labels | Ariola Records |
| Associated acts | The Limit |
Life and career
Born in Galveston, Texas,[1] where he sang in church during childhood, he moved to Los Angeles, California as a teen and won several contests there as a singer. After this stage in his career, he moved to the Netherlands, where he had a hit in 1983 with the song, "Rock the Boat", a cover of The Hues Corporation's 1974 No. 1 US hit. His version peaked at No. 4 in the UK Singles Chart[3] and in his native United States (No. 9 Hot Dance Club Play).[4]
A second single, "Feel the Need in Me" (originally by The Detroit Emeralds), was a hit in the UK, reaching No. 17.[3] A third single, "One Lover (Don't Stop The Show)", peaked at No. 67 in the UK.[2]
He and his wife, Manon Thomas, a television presenter had two sons, but later separated, after which he began to concentrate again on music. He sang in R.E.S.P.E.C.T., a theatre show, in 2001, dedicated to 1960s soul music. He was asked by DJ Roog to front the band Planet Hardsoul, who had a minor hit with their cover of "Where Did Our Love Go". In December 2012, Thomas married again, to Diana van Lippen.
Death
On September 9, 2013, Forrest died of a stroke in a hospital in Tilburg, Netherlands, aged 60.[1]
Discography
Albums
- One Lover (1983)
Singles
| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Dance [5] |
AUS [6] |
UK [7] | ||
| 1982 | "Rock the Boat" | 9 | 33 | 4 |
| 1983 | "Dancing with My Shadow" | — | — | — |
| "One Lover (Don't Stop the Show)" | — | — | 67 | |
| "Feel the Need in Me" | — | — | 17 | |
| 1984 | "Dance All Night" | — | — | — |
| "She's So Divine" | — | — | 98 | |
| 1986 | "She's So Free" | — | — | — |
| 1987 | "Valerie" | — | — | — |
| 1989 | "You Got What It Takes" | — | — | — |
| "Rock the Boat '89" | — | — | — | |
| "Feelin' Alright" | — | — | — | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory. | ||||
References
- Doc Rock. "July to December 2013". The Dead Rock Stars Club. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
- Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 208. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- Search for "Forrest" performed at Everyhit.com database; April 25, 2008.
- "Forrest: Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
- "Forrest Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
- Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 116. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- "FORREST – full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
