2018 David C. Brotemarkle Book Award Winner

Frank Thomas writes and performs songs about the history, people, and places of Florida. Songs such as “Old Cracker Cowman,” “The Flatwoods of Home,” and “Spanish Gold” have earned him a loyal following. In 2013, Thomas was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

This songbook, which features lyrics and chords, is the only printed collection of songs by the legendary Frank Thomas. There are more than 80 songs in this collection, with introductions by Frank Thomas, Ann Thomas, and Lisa Thomas.

Thomas’s Florida roots run deep. His family has lived here since the late 1700s, participating in the Seminole Indian Wars and the Civil War.

Thomas grew up in Middleburg, Florida, in a musical family who played gospel music. His first performing experiences were in church. His early musical influences also included performers on radio broadcasts of the Grand Ole Opry, including Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, and Webb Pierce.

After serving seven years in the Army in the 1960s, Thomas began touring with nationally known gospel, country, and bluegrass bands as a guitarist and singer. He played with groups including the Taylor Brothers, the Webb Family, and the Arkansas Travelers.

When Frank Thomas returned to the Sunshine State in the 1970s, he met Florida Troubadour Will McLean, who encouraged him to write songs about Florida. Thomas joined other folk musicians such as Gamble Rogers, Paul Champion, and Bobby Drawdy in their efforts to preserve Florida stories in song.

Thomas has gained a reputation for strongly encouraging other performers to write songs about Florida history and culture. He performs regularly at the Florida Folk Festival each Memorial Day weekend, and at venues throughout the state.