Hersal Thomas

1906 - 1926

Hersal Thomas piano
Hersal Thomas didn't live until the age of 20, he's however cited as one of the main source of inspiration for the boogie woogie masters. He was a gifted pianist composing some notable pieces starting with "Suitcase Blues" which has been taken up by many Boogie Woogie pianists. He recorded a couple of piano solos in 1925 and can be heard with Louis Armstrong on a few recordings of 1926. He died while performing in Detroit, probably because of food intoxication.

He was the brother of George W. Thomas who recorded "The Rock" in 1923 in which can be heard the very first walking bass of history.



Hersal Thomas transcriptions