Forrest (singer)

Forrest Melvill Thomas Jr.[1] (April 21, 1953 – September 9, 2013),[2] known professionally as Forrest, was an American singer, based in the Netherlands.

Life and Career

Born in Galveston, Texas,[2] 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.[1]

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.[2]

Discography

Albums

  • One Lover (1983)

Singles

  • "Rock The Boat" (1982) - UK No. 4
  • "Dancing With My Shadow" (1983)
  • "One Lover (Don't Stop The Show)" (1983) - UK No. 67
  • "Feel The Need In Me" (1983) - UK No. 17
  • "Dance All Night" (1984)
  • "She's So Divine" (1984) - UK No.98
  • "She's So Free" (1986)
  • "Valerie" (1987)
  • "You Got What It Takes" (1989)
  • "Rock The Boat '89" (1989)
  • "Feelin' Alright" (1989)

[5]

References

  1. 1 2 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 208. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  2. 1 2 3 Doc Rock. "July to December 2013". The Dead Rock Stars Club. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
  3. 1 2 Search for "Forrest" performed at Everyhit.com database; April 25, 2008.
  4. ↑ "Forrest: Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
  5. ↑ Forrest @ Discogs Retrieved 30/10/2107
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