Mickey Thomas to Release First-Ever Christmas Album, 'A Classic Christmas,' on November 15

Mickey Thomas, the iconic voice behind some of the biggest hits of the 1980s, is set to release his first-ever Christmas album, ‘A Classic Christmas,’ on November 15, 2024. With a career spanning over four decades, Thomas is renowned for his soaring vocals and powerful performances as the lead singer of Starship, delivering unforgettable songs like “We Built This City” and “Sara.” Now, he’s bringing his unique style to some of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, creating an album that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Fans can pre-save the album here.

A Christmas Album for the Ages

With ‘A Classic Christmas,’ Mickey Thomas dives into a selection of timeless holiday songs, offering fresh takes on festive favorites that he grew up listening to. The album includes enduring classics such as “White Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” “The Christmas Song,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Thomas captures the season's warmth, nostalgia, and spirit with every track.

Two singles from the album, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” were previously released in December 2023 and are already fan favorites. Both songs are available for streaming here, giving listeners a taste of what’s to come with the full album release.

Track List:

1. It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year  
2. I’ll Be Home for Christmas  
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas  
4. An Old Fashioned Christmas  
5. The Christmas Song  
6. Silver Bells  
7. My Favorite Things  
8. White Christmas

A True Nashville Collaboration

The album was recorded in Nashville, TN, a city known for its rich musical heritage. Dan Frizsell produced, engineered, and mixed the project. The sessions occurred at notable studios like East Iris Studio A and Ronnie’s Place. Nashville’s finest musicians lent their talents to the project, including Evan Hutchings on drums, Mark Hill on bass, John Willis on guitars, and David “Bird Dog” Dorn on keys and strings.

Production Details:

“Most Wonderful Time” was recorded at East Iris Studio A with Hutchings on drums, Hill on bass, Willis on guitars, and Frizsell on sleigh bells and vibes.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and several other tracks were recorded at Ronnie’s Place. They featured the same talented lineup of musicians, plus Charlie Judge on keys for selected tracks like “Silver Bells” and “The Christmas Song.”

Mickey Thomas’ Reflections on ‘A Classic Christmas’:

"I’ve always dreamed of making a Christmas album, and ‘A Classic Christmas’ fulfills that dream. These are the songs that I grew up with, the ones that bring back fond memories of the holidays when I was a child. I wanted to honor the original versions while putting my unique spin on the vocals. My goal was to create an album that feels timeless and brings warmth to listeners, like sitting by a cozy fire with family."

He added, "When recording, I imagined myself surrounded by holiday cheer—a glowing fireplace on one side, the Christmas tree on the other, and snow falling outside the window. I hope listeners feel that same nostalgia and comfort when they hear these songs."

The Legacy of Mickey Thomas:

Mickey Thomas rose to fame as the lead vocalist for The Elvin Bishop Band in the mid-1970s, providing vocals for the hit single “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.” His soaring voice caught the attention of Jefferson Starship, and in 1979, he joined the band as their lead singer, taking over after the departure of Grace Slick and Marty Balin.

Throughout the 1980s, Thomas helped steer the band (renamed Starship in 1985) to incredible success. They released three #1 singles, including the iconic “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” which was featured in the movie ‘Mannequin’ and earned an Academy Award nomination. Starship’s videos became staples of MTV and VH1, with Thomas’ vocal prowess and charisma helping to define the sound of an era.

In addition to his work with Starship, Mickey Thomas continues to tour and record, demonstrating the versatility and range that have made him a standout in rock music. With ‘A Classic Christmas,’ he’s adding yet another chapter to his storied career, allowing fans to experience his signature voice in a new way.

Song Highlights from ‘A Classic Christmas’:

1. “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” — A lively, up-tempo track in the spirit of Andy Williams’ beloved Christmas specials.

2. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” — A poignant reminder for those who have spent holidays away from loved ones, resonating deeply with Thomas’ experiences on the road.

3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” — A heartwarming rendition inspired by Judy Garland’s iconic performance, balancing melancholy and hope.

4. “An Old Fashioned Christmas” — Thomas’s favorite on the album, paying homage to Frank Sinatra’s version.

5. “The Christmas Song” — A tribute to Nat King Cole’s smooth delivery, a quintessential holiday tune.

6. “Silver Bells” — Inspired by a dream featuring Thomas’ grandmother, who deeply loved this Christmas classic.

7. “My Favorite Things”—Originally from The Sound of Music, this track has become a holiday staple. Thomas’s wife, Rachel, requested that it be included.

8. “White Christmas” — A heartfelt tribute to Bing Crosby, honoring one of the most iconic holiday songs ever recorded.