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| Joe (singer) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Joe |
| Birth name | Joseph Lewis Thomas |
| Birth date | 5 July 1973 |
| Birth place | Columbus, Georgia, U.S. |
| Origin | New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, soul, contemporary R&B |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | PolyGram, Jive Records, Kedar Entertainment, Plaid Takeover Entertainment |
| Associated acts | Diddy, Fat Joe, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Babyface |
Joe (singer)
Joe (born Joseph Lewis Thomas; July 5, 1973) is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer known for smooth tenor vocals and crossover ballads. He rose to prominence in the 1990s with charting albums and singles that connected with audiences across Billboard Hot 100, Billboard 200, and UK Singles Chart. His collaborations and songwriting credits span notable figures in R&B, hip hop, and pop music.
Born in Columbus, Georgia, Joe moved during childhood to New York City where he was exposed to regional scenes including Harlem, Bronx, and Brooklyn. He was raised in a household influenced by church traditions including gospel music services featuring choirs and soloists common to African American churches such as Ebenezer Baptist Church and community centers near Apollo Theater circuits. As a youth he performed in local talent showcases and school productions associated with institutions like LaGuardia High School and community programs connected to GRAMMY Museum outreach; he later pursued music through studio sessions in New Jersey and regional studios serving artists linked to Motown alumni.
Joe began recording in the early 1990s, signing with PolyGram for his debut projects and later releasing albums under Jive Records. His early work placed him alongside contemporaries including Keith Sweat, Brian McKnight, Usher, R. Kelly, and Maxwell. Breakthrough singles charted on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and gained rotation on radio formats programmed by companies such as Clear Channel Communications and labels distributed through Sony Music Entertainment. Throughout the 2000s he collaborated with producers and executives like Babyface, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Rodney Jerkins, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis; he also wrote for artists represented by Motown Records, Island Records, and Atlantic Records. Joe maintained independent releases on imprints such as Kedar Entertainment and founded Plaid Takeover Entertainment to control distribution and publishing rights, negotiating with performance rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI. International touring included venues associated with festivals like Montreux Jazz Festival, Glastonbury Festival, and arena dates promoted by companies including Live Nation and AEG Presents. His catalog achieved placements in film and television projects produced by studios including Universal Pictures and networks such as HBO and BET.
Joe's musical approach blends R&B balladry with elements drawn from soul music, gospel music, and contemporary hip hop soul. Influences cited in interviews include vocalists and songwriters such as Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles; contemporaneous inspiration came from artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, Sade, and Anita Baker. Production aesthetics on his albums reflect techniques associated with producers like Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, and Dr. Dre, while arrangements occasionally reference string orchestrations used by Quincy Jones and harmonic approaches favored by Barry White. His lyricism frequently engages themes common to works by Toni Braxton, Aaliyah, and Brian McKnight regarding love, relationships, and emotional introspection.
Joe's studio albums span major-label and independent releases with entries that charted on Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart. Notable albums include his breakthrough records released during the 1990s and 2000s under Jive Records and subsequent independent projects through Kedar Entertainment. Singles achieved placements on Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and international charts such as the Irish Singles Chart and Australian ARIA Charts. His discography includes collaborations and features with artists represented by Def Jam Recordings, Roc-A-Fella Records, Geffen Records, and Capitol Records.
Joe has maintained residences tied to cities influential to his career, including New York City and locations in Los Angeles County, California. Outside music he has engaged with charitable organizations and benefit concerts associated with institutions like NAACP, United Way, and educational initiatives connected to Howard University and Spelman College. His affiliations include membership in professional societies and networks that intersect with publishing and rights organizations such as SESAC and industry events like the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.
Over his career Joe received nominations and awards across ceremonies including the Grammy Awards, BET Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. Chart recognitions and sales certifications were issued by organizations including the Recording Industry Association of America and the British Phonographic Industry for singles and albums that achieved gold and platinum status. Billboard year-end lists and industry trade publications recognized his impact on R&B radio formats and adult contemporary playlists.
Category:American contemporary R&B singers Category:American soul singers Category:People from Columbus, Georgia