Chris Thomas King is a multi-talented individual born in 1962, son of Tabby Thomas, a renowned blues musician and owner of the iconic Baton Rouge blues club Tabby's Blues Box and Heritage Hall.
Growing up amidst some of the finest blues musicians, Chris began touring with artists like Buddy Guy and B.B. King in his teenage years. His music is a fusion of blues, early hip-hop, and country, which he writes, arranges, sings, and plays on most of his recordings, producing them in his New Orleans studio.
As a successful entrepreneur, Chris took control of his master recordings in the early 2000s, founding 21st Century Blues Records to promote a more authentic image and sound. He coined and trademarked the phrase "21st Century Blues" in 1993.
Chris owns and manages his own recording studio, 21st Century Blues Studios, where he produces music for his own projects as well as for motion pictures. He has also signed several artists to his label, including the 21CB Boyz and Nublues.
As an actor and film composer, Chris gained recognition for his role as Tommy Johnson in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) and won several awards, including Country Music and Grammy Awards for his contribution to the score. He has also appeared in the Oscar-winning Ray Charles biopic, Ray, and has been featured in or produced and starred in several other films and documentaries.
With over fifteen years of experience in the music industry, Chris has innovated blues music and the way it is packaged and sold in the digital record business. He has also developed relationships with Hollywood producers to license music for film and television, creating new revenue streams and worldwide brand awareness for his 21st Century Blues label.
Chris is the co-founder of a non-profit charity, The Blues Project, which has raised thousands of dollars for Louisiana Charities and New Orleans musicians affected by Katrina. He also serves as a board member for the Grammy Foundation in Los Angeles.
In June 2008, Chris's Blues Project raised $50,000 at a benefit concert in Las Vegas during the CineVegas Film Festival. His next benefit for the Blues Project will be on October 16, 2008, at the House of Blues in New Orleans during the New Orleans Film Festival.
