Thomas Family serves up sweet gospel
The best music isn’t always found in night clubs or concert halls. Sometimes all you have to do is go to church.
The Thomas Family of Elgin, Texas is a perfect example. The group has been serving up great gospel music in church and in public for generations.
The family of musicians is an integral part of the service each Sunday at the Greater Mt. Vernon Zion Church. They also perform at benefit concerts and festivals such as Hogeye and Western Days.
Patriarch of the group is Monty Thomas. He is 66 and has been singing gospel for about 50 years. He plays guitar, bass guitar and steel guitar.
Although he is passionate about gospel music, Monty’s top priorities are his church and his family. “When I was in the Gospel Tones we would sing in Houston or Dallas and get back at 5 a.m. I was not able to go to church,” he said. “I am here with my family. We sing and worship together. Most gospel singers say they belong to a church and the church doesn’t even know who they are. I don’t sing for style or getting the money. If I made lots of money and no soul got anything out of it, I have not benefited at all.”