Singer B. J. Thomas passed away at his home in Arlington on May 29, 2021.
Billy Joe Thomas (1942-2021) was a pop, country, and gospel singer, likely best remembered for his rendition of “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song after being featured in the 1969 movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and remains a memorable soundtrack to pop culture.
B.J. Thomas (1942-2021)
Although best known for his pop hits in the 1960s and 1970s—including “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” and “I Just Can’t Help Believin’,” among others—Thomas shifted to gospel music by the late 1970s.
In a recording career spanning 50 years, Thomas released 30 studio albums, sold 70 million records, had eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles, and won five Grammy Awards.
His other work included acting roles, an autobiography, commercial jingles, and singing the theme song for “Growing Pains,” a sitcom that aired from 1985 to 1992.
Although born in Oklahoma and raised in Houston, Thomas was a longtime resident of Arlington. He died at his home in Arlington on May 29, 2021, at the age of 78, due to complications from lung cancer.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram—May 31, 2021
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 05-29-25
Jason S. Sullivan 