Mickey Thomas - A Classic Christmas (2024) Hi-Res

Mickey Thomas, the voice behind Starship’s biggest hits, unwraps a timeless holiday gift with A Classic Christmas, blending festive nostalgia with his signature vocals on beloved classics like “White Christmas” and “Silver Bells.”

Mickey Thomas has set the table for a holiday season full of nostalgia and warmth with his first-ever Christmas album, A Classic Christmas. Known as the iconic voice that helped define a generation with Starship hits like “We Built This City” and “Sara,” Thomas is now lending his unmistakable vocals to holiday classics, creating a collection of songs that blend tradition with his celebrated voice.

For Thomas, A Classic Christmas is a dream realized. “These are the songs I grew up with - the ones that filled my home during the holidays and brought back memories of family gatherings,” he explains. “I wanted this album to feel timeless, honoring the original versions while adding my own voice and style.” On it, Thomas brings renewed life to beloved holiday favorites like “White Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” “The Christmas Song,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Recorded in Nashville, A Classic Christmas was produced, engineered, and mixed by Dan Frizsell, whose attention to detail helped bring out the album’s rich, soulful sound. Thomas worked with some of Nashville’s most respected musicians, including Evan Hutchings on drums, Mark Hill on bass, John Willis on guitar, and David “Bird Dog” Dorn on keys and strings. Each track was crafted to amplify the singer’s vocal prowess, allowing his voice to be both front and center and immersed in the warmth of the instrumentation. The recording sessions took place at legendary studios like East Iris Studio A and Ronnie’s Place, both known for their ability to capture the essence of a live, vibrant sound that Nashville is celebrated for.

The album also features two previously released singles, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” which were released in December 2023 and quickly became fan favorites. Each song on the album reflects Thomas’ vision of holiday cheer, from the soaring notes to the nostalgic melodies that conjure images of snow-dusted streets and cozy fireside gatherings. “When recording, I imagined myself surrounded by holiday cheer - a glowing fireplace on one side, the Christmas tree on the other, and snow falling outside the window,” Thomas shares. “I hope listeners feel that same warmth and nostalgia when they hear these songs.”

For Mickey Thomas, A Classic Christmas is a continuation of a remarkable career that has spanned more than four decades. After first capturing the music world’s attention in the mid-1970s as the lead vocalist on the Elvin Bishop Band’s hit single “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” Thomas went on to join Jefferson Starship in 1979. His powerful vocals and undeniable charisma redefined the band’s sound and led to a string of hits. In 1985, the band transformed into Starship, creating enduring anthems like “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” “Sara,” and “It’s Not Over Til It’s Over,” which became the theme song for Major League Baseball in 1987. Through every era, Thomas’ voice has been the constant that ties generations together, now bringing his talent to the holiday genre with A Classic Christmas.