- published: 10 Oct 2014
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Carla Thomas (born December 21, 1942, Memphis, Tennessee) is an American singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas.
Carla Thomas was born on December 21, 1942, in the Foote Homes Housing Project in Memphis, Tennessee. Her parents, Rufus and Lorene Thomas, brought three musically gifted children into this world: Carla, Marvell and Vaneese. Despite growing up in the projects, the Thomas family lived in close proximity to the locally celebrated Palace Theater on world-famous Beale Street, as Rufus was the theater’s emcee for their amateur shows. This access not only gave Thomas her first taste of the music world but it also provided a springboard for her transformation into the Queen of the Memphis Sound.
In Memphis, the African American centered WDIA radio station sponsored a rotating musical group of high school students called the Teen Town Singers; notable alumni include Anita Louis and Isaac Hayes. Although the requirements to join the Teen Town Singers stated that the person should be of high school age, Thomas became a member in 1952 at the age of 10. She was able to sneak into their ranks thanks to the fact that her father Rufus was an on-air personality for the radio station. This opportunity with the Teen Town Singers did not come without its drawbacks though. As a 10 year old student, Thomas was responsible for not only attending classes and completing her schoolwork, but she also had to attend rehearsals on Wednesdays and Fridays after school and then perform at the station on Saturday. However, despite this grueling schedule, Thomas thoroughly enjoyed the experience. According to her, “It was a lot of fun, it really was.” She remained with the Teen Town Singers up until the end of her senior year.
No time to lose, no time to lose
Lord, ain't got no time to lose
I've got to find my man
Make him understand
I've got to try and see
If he'll come back to me
I've got no time, whoa, no time
No time to lose, no time to lose
I was a fool, I was a fool
Lord, I was such a poor fool
For I believe in him
Grieve in him
I've got to find that guy
And apologize
I've got no time, whoa, no time
No time to lose, no time to lose
No time to lose, no time to lose
Oh, he was right
When he told me, he said, ‽Woman
You're gonna miss me when I'm goneâ€
Tell him I'm sorry
Tell him I'm sorry, tell him I'm sorry
Won't somebody please tell him I'm sorry
And if you see my man
Tell him I'm sorry
And if he needs me
Tell him to send for me
I've got no time, whoa, no time
No time to lose, no time to lose
I got no time to lose, no time to lose
Whoa, no time, no time to lose
I got no time to lose, no time to lose
Whoa, no time, no time to lose
I got no time to lose, no time to lose