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Gracia T. C. Thompkins (July 1, 1946 - ) is a record industry professional best known for being prime promoter of urban music for Epic Records, and responsible for promotions of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, the sixth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones, released on November 29, 1982, to date, the best selling album of all time.

He has launched successful projects for some of the best known music artists in the world, including  Isaac HayesNatalie Cole,  Rufus and Chaka KhanLou RawlsMazeTeddy PendergrassBill WithersGeorge DukeBarry WhiteLuther VandrossBoy George & The Culture ClubMichael JacksonPatti LabelleThe Isley BrothersTeena MarieMaxi PriestSade and many more.[1]

Early Life

Born in Richmond, Virginia on July 1, 1946 to Doris Lee Davis Thompkins and educator and William Thompkins, who was in the Navy, but who T.C. met for the first time at age 16.  His parents divorced when he was young, and his mother remarried an Air Force Airman, and at age eleven, his siblings moved with his parents to Japan, while he moved to Texarkana, Texas to live with his grandparents Rayfield a building contractor, and Janie Davis, a homemaker, assisted by his Aunt Jewel and Uncle Joe Harris, his mother’s relatives.[2]

It was there that he was introduced to an array of R&B artists, church music through mandatory attendance by his aunt and grandparents, jazz and more, and learned to play the trombone in middle school.  He was president of the school student council and on the debate team. 

As a teenager in East Texas, he listened to WWGN an AM radio station out of Illinois that reached the entire country, and played the top 40 hits, fights and more 24 hours a day.  He discovered KOKY, the black radio station in Shreveport, Louisiana, a factor contributing to his becoming a DeeJay later.  He also sang in the church choir, a high school doo wop group, and played trombone in the band, before graduating high school and enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1967.[3]

Service In The Vietnam War – 1964 – 1967

Thompkins joined the Army while the draft was in effect, because he wanted to do his part for the country.  Though he did not continue to study music, his interested was piqued while on active duty in Vietnam with the USO shows that included Bob HopeAnn MargaretThe Dixie Cups and more.  With the radio playing all the time in the rat filled encampments, playing mostly black USA music kept most of the troops from being hopelessly homesick.[4]  

 

Career

In Vietnam in a foxhole he heard James Brown’s “It's a Man's Man's Man's World” on American Forces Network (AFN), which he considered to be the most serious song he had ever heard, with its big production values, strings in the background and big rhythm section and its ability to transport young, lonely kids back home to familiar ground and comfort.  The years he spent in the Vietnam War influenced his desire to be in the music industry because of the emotional power and profound effect it had on people’s lives. [5]

1970s to 1984

 

Thompkins' wife was working in the archive department for Stax Records, enabling him to get an interview.  In 1971 he began working in regional retail sales, delivering product to retailers out of the back of his car.  

In 1972 he worked at Capitol Records in regional radio promotions,  working with Natalie Cole, Tavares, Maze, Jimmy Weatherspoon and more before heading over to ABC/Dunhill Records as Regional Director.  There he worked with B.B. KingRufus and Chaka KhanThe Dramatics and a host of other household names, often pushing their work to the top of the charts. 

In 1977 he moved to CBS, and became Local Promotions Manager.  In 1978 he became the National Director of Promotions, and finally Vice President of Promotions with Epic Records.  

While there, he was responsible for introducing Sade to America and worked to push her to the top of the charts, which he and his team accomplished in record time.[6]

While at Epic Records he worked with Teddy PendergrassPatti LaBelleGladys Knight, the Jacksons and many more.  After working with Michael Jackson on several projects including Off the Wall, he promoted the Thriller album, produced by Quincy Jones, pushing it to the top of the charts within four weeks.  It won eight American Music Awards, a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and by 1984 had sold 84 million copies, making it the best-selling album of all time.

1985 - Present

Since leaving Epic Records, Thompkins has worked with and run companies for Teddy Riley, as well as running his own companies and those of other performers, churches and more.  Semi-retired, he still works with some promising artists.

Personal Life

While in Vietnam, he began a penpal relationship with his future wife Ernize Taylor, a teacher in Mississippi, USA, who he married in December 1967 after returning home.  He remained married to her for 54 years until her death in 2022.

Thompkins lives between Panama and Texas spending most of his time with his daughters and grandson.  

Work History

1971

Stax

Regional Sales

Richard Pryor – That Nigga’s Crazy

certified gold by RIAA[15] & won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album at the 1975 Grammy Awards

1971

Stax Records

Sales

Isaac Hayes

1971

Stax Records

Sales

Eddie Floyd - Knock On Wood

1971

Stax Records

Sales

Albert King

1971

Stax Records

Sales

David Porter

1972 – 1973

Capitol Records

Regional Radio Promotions

Tavares, 1974 - Check it out

1978

CBS Records

National Director Promotions

Lou Rawls -Live

1975

Capitol Records

Regional Radio Promotions

Natalie Cole - Inseparable

Inseparable 1975 Gold - Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54] 2 Grammy nominations

1973

ABC Records

Regional Promotions

Crusaders

1975

ABC/Dunhill Records

Regional Promotions

Rufus Band

Rufus (band) - Wikipedia

Chaka Khan - Wikipedia

1976

ABC/Dunhill

Regional Director

Mighty Clouds of Joy

Mighty Clouds of Joy - Wikipedia

1976

ABC/Dunhill

Regional Director

BB King

B. B. King - Wikipedia

1976

ABC/Dunhill

Regional Director

John Handy

“Hard Work”

John Handy - Wikipedia

1976

ABC/Dunhill

Regional Director

Isaac Hayes

“Chocolate Chip”

Isaac Hayes - Wikipedia

1976

CBS Records/Local Promotions Director/Chicago

Regional 

Director 

National Director Epic Records

Lou Rawls

“You’ll Never Find Another”

Lou Rawls - Wikipedia

“Unmistakably Lou”  - 1977 

“Let Me Be Good To You”/1979

1976

CBS Records

Local Promotions Director/ Chicago

Jerry Butler 

Jerry Butler - Wikipedia

197/77

Capitol Records

Regional Director

Maze

Happy Feelings

Maze (band) - Wikipedia

1977 Gold  -Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54]

1975

Capitol Records

Regional Director

Tour Promotions

War

Low Rider

Low Rider - Wikipedia

1975

Capitol Records

Regional

Director

Tour Promotions

Jimmy Witherspoon.

Jimmy Witherspoon - Wikipedia

1977

ABC/Dunhill Records

Regional Director

Local Promotions Director

Rufus featuring Chaka Khan

“Ask Rufus” 1977 

Sweet Thing  - Wikipedia

Gold - Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54]

1976

ABC/Dunhill Records

Regional Director

Pointer Sisters,  

“How Long” 1976

The Pointer Sisters - Wikipedia

1976

ABC/Dunhill

Regional Director

The Dramatics,

“Shake It Well” 1976

The Dramatics - Wikipedia

1976

CBS Records

Local Promotions Director 

National Promotions Director 

Vice President of Promotions 

Jean Carn

“Jean Carn” 1976 “ 

“Happy To Be With You” 1978 

When I Find You Love” 1979 

“Sweet & Wonderful” 1981 

Jean Carn - Wikipedia

1976

ABC/Dunhill

Regional Promotions

Four Tops,

“Catfish” 1976 

Four Tops - Wikipedia

1975

ABC/Dunhill

Regional Promotions

Rhythm Heritage

“SWAT”  

Rhythm Heritage - Wikipedia

Gold 1975 Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54]

1976  - 1978

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

Local Radio Promotions

Minnie Ripperton,

“Stay In Love” 1977

Minnie Riperton - Wikipedia

1977

CBS Records

Regional Promotions Director/Chicago

Herbie Hancock,

“VSOP” 1977

Herbie Hancock - Wikipedia

1977

CBS Records

Regional Promotions Director/Chicago

Bill Withers

“Menagerie” 1977 

Bill Withers - Wikipedia

1977

CBS Records

Local Radio Promotions

Tyrone Davis,

“Let’s Get Close Together” 1977

Tyrone Davis - Wikipedia

1978

CBS 

Records

Regional Radio Promotions

George Duke,

“Dukey Stick” 1978 

George Duke - Wikipedia

1977

CBS Records

Local Promotions Director/Chicago 

Regional Director 

National Director of Promotions 

Vice President of Promotions

Isley Brothers,

“Go For Your Guns” 1977 

“Showdown” 1978 

“Winner Takes All” 1979 

“Go All The Way” 1980 

“Grand Slam” 1981 

“Inside You” 1981 

“The Real Deal” 1982 

“Between The Sheets” 1983 

The Isley Brothers - Wikipedia

1978 

1979

CBS Records

Regional Director 

National Director

Mother’s Finest,

“Mother Factor” 1978 

“Mother Finest Live”1979

Mother's Finest - Wikipedia

1978

CBS Records

Regional Director

Deniece Williams,

“That’s What Friends Are For” 1978 

Deniece Williams - Wikipedia

Multi Years

CBS Records

Local Director of Promotions 

Vice President of Promotions 

Teddy Pendergrass,

“Teddy Pendergrass” 1977 

”Life Is A SongWorth Singing” 1978 

“Teddy” 1979 

“It’s Time For Love” 1981 

“This One For You” 1982 

“TP” 1980 

“Heaven only Knows” 1983 “Love Language” 1984 

Teddy Pendergrass - Wikipedia

1978 - 1983

CBS Records/

EPIC

National Director of Promotions 

Vice President of Promotions

Patti LaBelle,

“Tasty” 1978 

“It’s Alright With Me” 1979 

“I’m In Love Again” 1983 

Patti LaBelle - Wikipedia

Gold  -

Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54]

1976/80

CBS Records/

EPIC

Local Director of Promotions 

National Director of Promotions

Heatwave,

“Central Heat” 1977 

“Hot Property 1979 

“Candles” 1980 

Heatwave (band) - Wikipedia

1978

CBS Records

Regional Promotions Director

Marilyn McCoo

Billy Davis,

“Your Love” 

Your Love (Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. song) - Wikipedia

1978

CBS Records

Regional Promotions Director

Gladys Knight,

Need song names 

Gladys Knight - Wikipedia

1977

CBS Records

Local Director of Promotions

Ramsey Lewis,

“Love Notes” 1977 

Ramsey Lewis - Wikipedia

1978

CBS Records

Local Director of Promotions

Stanley Clarke,

“Modern Man” 1978

Stanley Clarke - Wikipedia

1978

CBS Records

Local Director of Promotions

Cheryl Lynn

“Cheryl Lynn” 1978

Cheryl Lynn - Wikipedia

1980

CBS/Epic Records

Vice President of Promotions

MFSB

“Mysteries”

MFSB (album) - Wikipedia

1983

CBS /Epic Records

Vice President of Promotions

Luther Vandross

“Busy Body”

Busy Body (album) - Wikipedia

1978 – 1985

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

National Director of Promotions 

Vice President of Promotions

SOS band,

“SOS Band” 1980 

Just the Way You Like It (The S.O.S. Band album) - Wikipedia

“Too” 1981(VP) 

Too (S.O.S. Band album) - Wikipedia

Epic “III” 1982 

“On The Rise” 1983 “Just The Way You Like It” 1984

On the Rise - Wikipedia

1979

CBS/Epic Records

Vice President of Promotions

Barry White,

“The Message Is Love” 1979 

Barry White - Wikipedia

CBS/

EPIC Records

Local Director of Promotions

Regional Director of Promotions 

National Director of Promotions

The Jacksons,

“The Jacksons” 1976 

“Going Places” 1977 “Destiny” 1978 

“Trumph”1980 

“Live” 1981 

“Victory” 1984 

The Jackson 5 - Wikipedia

 

The Jacksons Live! - Wikipedia

Victory Tour (The Jacksons) - Wikipedia

CBS /EPIC RECORDS

National Director of Promotions 

VP of Promotions

Michael Jackson,

“Off The Wall” 1979 

Michael Jackson - Wikipedia

“Thriller” 1982 (VP) 

Thriller (album) - Wikipedia

CBS /Epic Records

National Director of Promotions

*The Jones Girls“The Jones Girls” 1979 

“At Peace With Women” 1980 

“Get As Much As You Can” 1981 

The Jones Girls - Wikipedia

CBS /Epic Records

VP of Promotions

Carl Anderson

“Absence With Our Love” 1982 

“On And On” 1984

Carl Anderson (singer) - Wikipedia

1984

CBS/ EPIC RECORDS

VP of Promotions 

National Director of Promotions

Sade,

“Diamond Life” 1984

Diamond Life - Wikipedia

CBS RECORDS

VP of Promotions

Mtume,

“Juicy Fruit” 1983 

“You Me & He” 1984 

You, Me and He - Wikipedia

Gold - Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54]

1984

CBS RECORDS 

Tabu Records

Vice Pres & National Director

Alexander O’Neal,

“Saturday Love”

Saturday Love - Wikipedia

1984

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP of Promotions 

National Director

Teena Marie,

Star Child

“Lover Girl” 1984   

Lovergirl - Wikipedia

Gold - Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54]

1984

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP of CBS Records & National Director of Promotions

Krystol,

“Getting Ready” 1984(VP) 

Krystol Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & More | Discogs

Cbs/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP CBS

Records 

SOS Band

“SOS Band” 1980  (National) Epic “Too” 1981(VP) Epic “III” 1982 “On The Rise” 1983 “Just The Way You Like It” 1984 (VP) Epic   

The S.O.S. Band - Wikipedia

1980 

1984

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP CBS Records

Miami Sound Machine,

Miami Sound Machine - Wikipedia

“Eyes of Innocense”/1984

Eyes of Innocence (Miami Sound Machine album) - Wikipedia

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

National Director of Promotions 

VP of Promotions

Luther Vandross,

“Never Too Much” 1981 

“ Forever for Always for Love” 1982 

“Busy Body” 1983 

Luther Vandross - Wikipedia

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

Local Director of Promotions 

National Director of Promotions 

VP of Promotions

Lou Rawls,

“Unmistakably Lou”1977 

“When You Hear Lou, You’ve heard it all” 1977 

“Live” 1973 

“Let Me Be Good To You” 1979 

“Sit Down And Talk To Me” 1980 

“Shades Of Blue” 1981 

“Now Is The Time”1982 

“Here Comes Garfield” 1982 

“When The Night Comes” 1983 

“Trying As Heard As I Can” 1984 

Here Comes Garfield - Wikipedia

Lou Rawls - Wikipedia

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

Boy George & Culture Club,

“Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” 1982 “Karma Chameleon” 1983 

Boy George - Wikipedia

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

Need position

The Clash,

Need name

1985

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

National Director of Promotions

Cyndi Lauper,

“Time After Time”

“All Through the Night” 

Cyndi Lauper - Wikipedia

1979

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

National Director of Promotions

McFadden & Whitehead,

”Ant No Stopping Us Now” 1979 

McFadden & Whitehead - Wikipedia

1976

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP of Promotions

MFSB,

“Summertime”1976 

“Mysteries” 1980

MFSB - Wikipedia

1980

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP of Promotions

Jones Girls,

“The Jones Girls” 1979 (National Epic) “At Peace With Women” 1980 (National Epic)“Get As Much As You Can” 1981 

The Jones Girls - Wikipedia

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

Billy Paul,

1982

1984

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP of Promotions

Carl Anderson,

“Absence With Our Love” 1982 

“On And On” 1984 

Carl Anderson (singer) - Wikipedia

1984

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP  & National Director of Promotions

Kids At Work (Teddy Riley),

“Kids At Work” 1984 

Guy (band) - Wikipedia

1979

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

National Director of Promotions and Assoc Labels

George Clinton,

Need song – year 

George Clinton (funk musician) - Wikipedia

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

O’Jays,

Need song - year

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

Brainstorm,

Need song - year

1984

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP of CBS and National Director of Promotions

Cherrelle,

Need song – year

Saturday Love - Wikipedia

CBS/Columbia/Epic (New York)

VP of CBS & National Director Promotions

Mtume

“Juicy Fruit” 1983 

“You Me & He” 1984 

Juicy Fruit (album) - Wikipedia

GOLD - Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54]

1987 - 1989

Quality Records – Los Angeles

Need position

Lighter Shade Of Brown,

“On A Sunday Afternoon” - 1989

A Lighter Shade of Brown - Wikipedia

1989

Quality Records

Mona Lisa

Need song – year

Mona Lisa (band) - Wikipedia

1988

GR Productions

COO

The Ghetto Boys

The Geto Boys (album) - Wikipedia

1989 -1991

GR Productions -Teddy Riley – Gene Griffin

COO / GR Productions

GUY 

“Girl I Got My Eye On You”/1988

Guy (band) - Wikipedia

COO

Guy

“Guy” 

Guy (band) - Wikipedia

1988 best R&B LP of the year, R&B single, New Artist * Urban single of the year (2pl) ????

1991

GT Records

CEO

Leon Haywood

Leon Haywood - Wikipedia

1989

GR Productions

COO

Wreckx N Effect,

“New Jack Swing” 1989

New Jack Swing (song) - Wikipedia

1989

GR Productions

COO

Red Head Kingpin,

“Shade Of Red”1989

Redhead Kingpin and the F.B.I. - Wikipedia

1990

Indie Label

GT Records

CEO

Maxi Priest

“Close To You” 1990 

Close to You (Maxi Priest song) - Wikipedia

BPI  & 

Gold  - Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA)[54] -

1990

GT Records

VP of Promotions and Production

Basic Black

“Basic Black” 1990 VP GP Production

“Nothing But A Party”

Basic Black | New Jack Swing Wiki | Fandom

1992

Plum Records

Owner

Turq

“U Need Me” 1990 

1992

Trans A Records

Promotions

Dee Dee Wilde

‘I Love You” 1992

1992 

1995

Indie Label

GR Productions

COO

Arrested Development

“3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life of” 1992 

Arrested Development (group) - Wikipedia

1992

Indie Label

GR Productions

COO

Tone Loc

“Wild Thing” 1988”

Wild Thing (Tone Lōc song) - Wikipedia

1992 - 1993

Nappy Head Records

Owner

Darryl Barnes

“If I Could” 1993 

Darrell Barnes – If I Could... – CD (), 1993 [r5844293] | Discogs

1993

Brown Records 1993

Owner

Figures Of Speech “U Already Know” “Ready To Wreck” 

Figures of Speech - Wikipedia

1993 - 1994

Independent Label Coalition/

Jay Records

CEO & Owner

Art Madison

“Into The AM” 1993

Art Madison – Into The A.M. – CD (Album), 1993 [r2074420] | Discogs

1993

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Domino

“Domino” 1993

Getto Jam - Wikipedia

1993

Kat Records

Promotions

Three From the Soul

“What Cha Missin” 1993 

III Frum Tha Soul – What Cha Missin' – CD (Album), 1993 [r3361829] | Discogs

1995

All Net Records

Promotions

OTR Clique

“Streets Deeper Than The Grave” 1995

OTR Clique – Streets Deeper Than The Grave – CD (Album), 1995 [r1492044] | Discogs

1996

TCThompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Miles Jaye

Miles Jaye Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & More | Discogs

1998

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Trick Daddy featuring Trina

“Nann Nigga”

Nann Nigga - Wikipedia

2001

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Alicia Keys

“Songs in A Minor”

Songs in A Minor - Wikipedia

2002

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Nappy Roots“Watermelon Chicken & Gritty” 2002

Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz - Wikipedia

Platinum

2002

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Mark Taylor

2002 

2006

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Heather Headley

“He Is” 

“In My Mind”

Heather Headley - Wikipedia

2002

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Abundant Life Cathedral

“Abundantly Blessed”

Dr Ed Montgomery and The Abundant Life Cathedral Choir on AirPlay Direct

2004

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Endurance Gospel Group

Endurance - musicbyendurance.com

2006

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Jay Anthony Brown

J. Anthony Brown - Wikipedia

2012

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

J Dash featuring FLO RIDA

“WOP”

Wop (song) - Wikipedia

2013

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

George Tandy, Jr.

“March” 2013 “Foundation” 2014 

George Tandy Jr. - Wikipedia

2014

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

George Tandy

“Foundation”

George Tandy Jr. - Wikipedia

2020

Indie Label

Promotions

Coline Creuzot “You Tried It” 2020

Coline Creuzot - Wikipedia

2021

Indie Label

Promotions

Annalea X “Wavy 2021

AnnaleaX - Wavy (Y U Playin' Me?) - YouTube

2021

TC Thompkins, LLC

CEO & Owner

Nappy Roots

Nappy Roots - Wikipedia

Awards

YEAR

AWARD

WORK ENTITIES

RESULT

1973

Regional Promotion Man of the Year

Capitol Records

won

1978

Regional Promotion Man of the Year

CBS Records

won

1980/81

Who’s Who Among Black America

Who’s Who Among Black Americans, Inc.

won

1984

Don Robey Award - Outstanding Radio Work

Jack the Rapper

won

1984

Executive of the Year

Black Radio Exclusive

won

1993/94

Who's Who Worldwide

Who's Who Registry of Global Business Leaders

2013

Best of 2013 Publicity Services

City of Sugarland, Texas

won

2016

Playlist Showcase Honoree

Bang Productions TV

won

2021/22

Icon Promoter - Hustle Hard Award

City of Houston, Texas

won

2021

H-Town Artist’s Showcase Legends Award

H-Town Artist’s Showcase

won

2024

Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

AmeriCorps and the Office of the President of the USA - Joe Biden

won

References

This entry would have the information like the URL, book or magazine that showed that he worked with these people

Thompkins, TC (2023). When Radio Was King, USA: Thompkins Publishing. ISBN #9798378469567

Thompkins, TC (2023). When Radio Was King, USA: Thompkins Publishing. ISBN #9798378469567

Thompkins, TC (2023). When Radio Was King, USA: Thompkins Publishing. ISBN #9798378469567

Thompkins, TC (2023). When Radio Was King, USA: Thompkins Publishing. ISBN #9798378469567

Thompkins, TC (2023). When Radio Was King, USA: Thompkins Publishing. ISBN #9798378469567

   

Book and audiobook

Videos

External Links

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