Holly Thomas, second from left, poses with some past celebrities from the TBC network. From left, presenter Emmett Hennessy, programme director Gabriel Francis (deceased), presenter Selma Ahyee (deceased), presenter Jim Sutherland (deceased) and presenter Rennie Bishop.

When I remember Holly Thomas, I recall his soothing bass voice on the radio on a Sunday morning, asking, “Who loves you, baby?” Also, I remember him admonishing those in the kitchen preparing Sunday lunch, reminding all that callaloo required swizzling and must not be pureed in a blender.

Like some of his colleagues in the era of the 80s, including Rennie Bishop, Billy Reece, Jim Sutherland and Phill Simmons, Thomas had a distinctive voice and manner of broadcasting that endeared listeners to him and his programmes.

Having made a name for himself in the New York tri-state area, initially with Ken Webb on New York’s WBLS frequency, and subsequently on WLIB, Thomas returned home and hitched his wagon to Trinidad Broadcasting Company’s Studio 730 in 1982. He worked for 15 years in the United States and, after a stint on Radio 730 transferred to Radio Nine Five in 1988, making his Magnificent 7 programme, specialising in “soft jazz,” a must-listen-to feature.

read more

You need to be a member of When Steel Talks to add comments!

Join When Steel Talks

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • Will remember Holly Thomas'  for bringing the unabashed and unashamed West Indian "voice" to WBLS and WLIB Black radio in NYC.    I remember Frankie Crocker too!   They are gone now and Black radio is almost gone but we who loved it soldier on.     Ancestors!

  • Our radio Greats!

  • My family and I had the privilege of knowing Holly Thomas with our daughter Ayana completing and receiving a Certificate from Holly's broadcasting school. Holly and Ria were at all our 'limes'. They were a part of our family ring as I like to refer to all my adopted sons and daughters and yes that soothing voice was always fun especially with him defending Desperadoes. Holly will be sorely missed especially at our events. His last stint was the Ministry of Health's Monday Night Health and Fitness Chip working alongside Steve Sealey. Condolences to his bereaved family especially Ria the love of his life.

This reply was deleted.