Ernest Joseph Thomas, known to the world as “Tabby Thomas”; also known as “Rockin’ Tabby Thomas,” was born on January 5, 1929 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Ernest Joseph Thomas, known to the world as “Tabby Thomas”; also known as “Rockin’ Tabby Thomas,” was born on January 5, 1929 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tabby Thomas is one of the best known blues musicians in Baton Rouge, known for a substyle of blues called “swamp blues,” that originated in Southern Louisiana. Tabby Thomas operated his own club called Tabby’s Blues Box and Heritage Hall, a mainstay in the blues community in Baton Rouge for over 24 years. In January 2004, Tabby Thomas had a massive stroke while waiting to perform at the Blues Box. He was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake hospital and stayed there for several months of recovery. Later that year, on November 20, 2004 Tabby Thomas retired and closed the doors of Tabby’s Blues Box and Heritage Hall.