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Grammy-Winning Artiste B.J. Thomas Diagnosed With Stage 4 Lung Cancer

By Modupeoluwa Adekanye

24 March 2021   |   2:32 pm

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B.J. Thomas has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The Grammy-winner, 78, revealed his diagnosis in a statement released on Tuesday. I just wanted to take this unique opportunity to share my gratitude to Gloria, my wonderful wife, and my rock for over 53 years, my family, friends, and fans. I'm so blessed to…

B.J. Thomas has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The Grammy-winner, 78, revealed his diagnosis in a statement released on Tuesday.

I just wanted to take this unique opportunity to share my gratitude to Gloria, my wonderful wife, and my rock for over 53 years, my family, friends, and fans. I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to record and perform beautiful songs in pop, country, and gospel music, and to share those wonderful songs and memories around the world with millions of you. I ask all of you for your prayers during this time and that my music can live on with you.

With upcoming tour dates beginning April 17 in Everett, Washington, the hitmaker remains optimistic that he will be able to perform as planned.

In 1966, B.J. Thomas and The Triumphs released the album I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry. It featured a hit cover of the Hank Williams song “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”.

The single sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc. The follow-up single, “Mama”, peaked at number 22. In the same year, Thomas released a solo album of the same title on the Scepter Records label.

Over the course of his decades-long career, the genre-bending icon has won five Grammy Awards, including three consecutive wins in the best inspirational performance category for his hit songs “Home Where I Belong,” “Happy Man” and “You Gave Me Love (When Nobody Gave Me A Prayer)” in 1978, 1979 and 1980 respectively.

Thomas went on to win a Grammy Award for best gospel performance, contemporary or inspirational for his rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer” in 1981.

The following year in 1982, he won the Grammy Award for best inspirational performance once more, for his recording of “Amazing Grace.”

Thomas has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and released eight Billboard No. 1 hit songs, he is behind 26 Top 10 singles on the Hot 100 chart.

The legendary musician has been named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists.