R&B/blues singer Irma Thomas gets accolades, new album

THE CURRENT issue of Billboard magazine reports on the renaissance in the career of 67 year old New Orleans R&B singer Irma Thomas. In June British music magazine Mojo honoured the singer with a Lifetime Achievement Award and last month she shared the stage at the Essence Festival in New Orleans alongside Mary J Blige and Rihanna. Her new album on Rounder Records, 'Simply Grand' pairs the singer with numerous pianists such as Dr John, Ellis Marsalis and Henry Butler.