The Villages

Amphitheater has had some big acts take the stage this year, but Saturday's

guest, B.J. Thomas, may be one of the biggest yet. This probably comes

as a surprise to most people, including Thomas himself.

Billy Joe Thomas

began his musical career when he joined The Triumphs, a local band, in

his junior year of high school. By this point he was going by B.J., as

there were too many Billy Joes on his baseball team.

He sang for

The Triumphs and their version of Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome

I Could Cry" caught the attention of a local producer for Scepter

Records. Thomas continued to work with Scepter Records and became their

most famous solo artist.

In Thomas'

career he has sold over 70 million albums and earned two platinum records

and 11 gold records. He won five Grammy Awards, two Dove Awards and is

the only recording artist ever to have a "Song of the Year"

on the Pop, Country and Gospel Charts.

In 1981, he

received one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a recording

artist when he became the 60th person inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

He has recorded 15 top-40 hits and 10 top-40 country hits. Some of his

more famous songs include "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,"

"Hooked on a Feeling," "Eyes of a New York Woman,"

"Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song," "Two-Car Garage,"

and "Home Where I Belong."

Thomas' career

is entering its sixth decade. He continues to tour extensively, mainly

because his music appeals to a wide variety of audiences. Prior to his

show in Fayetteville this Saturday, Thomas has performed in West Virginia

and Kentucky. Later this month he will perform several concerts in Texas.

In addition

to a successful music career, Thomas has appeared on the silver screen

and has also authored two books.

B.J. Thomas

will perform Saturday night at the Villages Amphitheater at 8 p.m. Tickets

are $20 for lawn and $25 for tiered seats in advance. Tickets are available

at Fayetteville City Hall or any Ticketmaster outlet. Phone 770-461-6029

or visit www.fayetteville-ga-us.org for more information.

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