Rob Thomas

Born on a military base in West Germany on February 14, 1972, Robert Kelly “Rob” Thomas spent much of his youth shuttling between his grandmother in South Carolina and his mom in Florida. After dropping out of both high school and his difficult home life, the 17-year-old drifted around the Southeast, hitchhiking and crashing where he could.

He released the pressures of his life in his songwriting, at the same time developing his signature vocal style while fronting a number of local rock bands, which ultimately led to the formation of matchbox twenty. Rob became the driving force behind Matchbox Twenty as their primary songwriter and lead singer and is currently recording and performing as a solo artist.

Since making their debut in 1996, Matchbox has evolved into one of the most admired and consistently successful rock bands in recent history, with over 25 million albums sold worldwide and chart topping singles. Matchbox Twenty has earned the distinction of having had more #1 hits and spending more weeks at #1 on both the national Modern AC and Adult Top 40 charts than any other artist in history.

In 1999, Rob’s songwriting capability and collaboration with Santana earned him three Grammy Awards for their hit single “Smooth.” Rob even became the youngest member to ever be inducted into the South Carolina Music and Entertainment Gall of Fame. He has earned 13 BMI Awards, which included songwriter and song of the year, as well as recognition from Billboard as Songwriter of the Year for two consecutive years.

Rob and his wife have also established Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a non-profit organization created to aid those in need in and around America’s big cities, working with various charities to assist people who are destitute or homeless and get lost in the system; those who cannot afford proper medical care; and animals that have been abandoned or abused

Now, with his debut solo album, Thomas begins a new chapter in his remarkable musical journey.