Biography
Galactic, a cornerstone of New Orleans’ vibrant music scene since the 1990s, is known for their energetic blend of funk, jazz, rock, brass band, and world music. Formed in 1994, the band quickly became a staple of the city’s late-night circuit, celebrated for their genre-bending sound and relentless live performances. Over the years, Galactic has consistently pushed the boundaries of funk, collaborating with a wide range of artists and earning a reputation as ambassadors of modern New Orleans music.
Irma Thomas, born in 1941 in New Orleans, is revered as the 'Soul Queen of New Orleans.' She began her career as a teenager, scoring her first hit in 1959 with 'Don’t Mess with My Man.' Throughout the 1960s, Thomas recorded a string of R&B classics, including 'It’s Raining,' 'Wish Someone Would Care,' and her influential rendition of 'Time Is On My Side,' which inspired The Rolling Stones’ first American Top 10 single. Thomas’s career has spanned over six decades, marked by her powerful, emotive voice and her ability to move seamlessly across gospel, soul, blues, and funk. She won her first Grammy Award in 2007 for her album 'After the Rain,' a poignant reflection on Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath.
The collaboration between Galactic and Irma Thomas, culminating in the 2024 album 'Audience With the Queen,' is a celebration of New Orleans’ musical legacy. The project features original songs written by Galactic with lyrics tailored for Thomas, showcasing her commanding vocals and storytelling prowess. The album stands as a testament to the enduring influence of both Galactic’s innovative funk and Thomas’s soulful artistry, bridging generations and genres in a uniquely New Orleans fashion.
Fun Facts
- Irma Thomas owned and operated the Lion’s Den club in New Orleans with her husband until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure.
- The Rolling Stones’ first American Top 10 hit was a cover of Irma Thomas’s 'Time Is On My Side.'
- Galactic and Irma Thomas first recorded together in 2010 on the song 'Heart of Steel,' but 'Audience With the Queen' is their first full-length collaborative album.
- Irma Thomas won her first Grammy Award in 2007 for her 18th studio album, 'After the Rain,' recorded after Hurricane Katrina.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Allen Toussaint - Legendary New Orleans producer and songwriter who worked closely with Irma Thomas in the 1960s, shaping her sound and career. (Produced 'It’s Raining,' 'Ruler of My Heart,' and other early hits) [early-mid 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Ben Ellman - Galactic saxophonist and co-producer of 'Audience With the Queen'; key architect of the band's sound. (Galactic albums, 'Audience With the Queen') [1994–present]
- Robert Mercurio - Galactic bassist and co-producer of 'Audience With the Queen'; central to the band's creative direction. (Galactic albums, 'Audience With the Queen') [1994–present]
- Sean Carey - Lyricist and Thomas associate who contributed lyrics to the collaborative album. ('Audience With the Queen') [2024]
- Stanton Moore - Galactic drummer and founding member, integral to the band's rhythmic style. (Galactic albums, 'Ya-Ka-May', 'Audience With the Queen') [1994–present]
Artists Influenced
- The Rolling Stones - Inspired by Irma Thomas’s 1964 version of 'Time Is On My Side,' which they covered for their first US Top 10 hit. ('Time Is On My Side' (The Rolling Stones, 1964)) [1964]
- Contemporary New Orleans musicians - Both Galactic and Irma Thomas have influenced multiple generations of New Orleans artists with their genre-defying approaches and dedication to the city’s musical heritage. (Various) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Into The Deep (Deluxe Edition) | 2015-07-17 | Album |
| Coolin' Off | 1996-02-05 | Album |
| Ya-Ka-May (Deluxe Edition) | 2010-02-09 | Album |
| Monster (Deluxe) | 2024-11-01 | Album |
| Ruckus | 2003 | Album |
| Already Ready Already | 2019-02-08 | Album |
| Carnivale Electricos | 2012-02-21 | Album |
| inFAMOUS 2 (The Blue Soundtrack) | 2011 | Album |
| From the Corner To the Block | 2007-08-21 | Album |
| Crazyhorse Mongoose | 1998-12-18 | Album |
| Late for the Future | 2000-05-19 | Album |
| The Other Side Of Midnight: Live In New Orleans | 2011-05-03 | Album |
| Galactic Vintage Reserve | 2003-04-10 | Album |
| We Love 'Em Tonight (Live at Tipitina's) | 2001-08-21 | Album |
| Already Ready Already | 2019-02-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Into The Deep (Into The Deep (Deluxe Edition))
- Does It Really Make A Difference (Into The Deep (Deluxe Edition))
- Where I Belong
- How Glad I Am
- Church (Coolin' Off)
- Cineramascope (Ya-Ka-May (Deluxe Edition))
- Joy (Monster (Deluxe))
- Lady Liberty
- Going Straight Crazy (feat. Princess Shaw) (Already Ready Already)
- Domino (Into The Deep (Deluxe Edition))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Galactic & Irma Thomas has been played 63 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 8, 2026 | 11:41 | Make Me A Pallet On Your Floorfrom After The Rain | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Jan 7, 2026 | 11:31 | Make Me A Pallet On Your Floorfrom After The Rain | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Jan 5, 2026 | 20:24 | Where I Belongfrom Audience With the Queen | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Jan 5, 2026 | 12:02 | Bobski 2000from Vintage Reserve | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves | |
| Jan 5, 2026 | 05:58 | He's My Guyfrom Take A Look | Overnight Music - Monday | |
| Dec 31, 2025 | 11:20 | Old Recordsfrom 50th Anniversary Celebration | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Dec 29, 2025 | 21:39 | I Need Your Love So Badfrom Time Is On My Side | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Dec 29, 2025 | 21:34 | Time Is On My Sidefrom Time Is On My Side | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Dec 29, 2025 | 21:25 | Medley Coming From Behind (Monolfrom A Woman`s Viewpoint The Essentia | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Dec 25, 2025 | 21:33 | Here I am, Take Mefrom Something Good: The Muscle Shoals Sessions | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri |