James “Son” Thomas was a Delta Blues musician, gravedigger and sculptor. He was born in Eden, Mississippi on October 14, 1926. Thomas became known as a folk artist for his sculptures made from un-fired clay which he dug out of the banks of the Yazoo River. Skulls was his most famous sculpted images which often featured actual human teeth. In 1985, Thomas had his work featured in the prestigious Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C. and was introduced by Mrs. Nancy Reagan former First Lady. His skulls can be found on display in several blues museums throughout Mississippi and he’s played at numerous blues festivals and private parties throughout the area. Thomas is probably best known for his album Gateway to the Delta, which was recorded by Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
