There are few voices in modern soul as instantly recognisable as Lillo Thomas. The artist behind classics including “I’m In Love”, “Sexy Girl” and “(You’re A) Good Girl” is confirmed to appear at the Luxury Soul Weekender from 8-10 January 2027.
Bringing four decades of soul pedigree to one of the UK’s most respected soul gatherings, Thomas’s appearance is a major moment for fans of eighties R&B, modern soul and the dancefloor-focused sound those scenes continue to inspire.
This is the story behind the artist: from competitive sprinting and design studies to Capitol Records success, enduring international appeal and a career that continues to connect with soul audiences around the world.
From the Track to the Studio
Lillo Thomas’s route into music was anything but conventional. Born in Brooklyn in 1961 and raised singing in his father’s church, Thomas was initially better known as a sprinter. He was on an Olympic path before a car accident in Brazil in 1984 brought his athletics career to an abrupt end.
He was also an art scholarship student at the Parsons School of Design, a creative foundation that would later inform both his music and his painting. His musical breakthrough came through songwriting: he penned “Mind Up Tonight” for soul star Melba Moore, helping secure his own recording contract with Capitol Records and a place in Moore’s touring company as her protégé.
Before stepping into the spotlight as a headline artist, Thomas established himself as an in-demand session vocalist, working with Evelyn “Champagne” King, Kashif, James Ingram and George Benson.
The Hits That Built a Legacy
Thomas’s debut album arrived on Capitol in 1983, reaching number 23 on the R&B Albums chart and producing his first hit, “(You’re A) Good Girl”, which climbed to number 22 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.
The defining breakthrough came in 1987 with his self-titled album, Lillo. Reaching number 10 on the R&B Albums chart, the album delivered three enduring singles: “I’m In Love”, which rose to number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, alongside “Downtown” at number 11 and “Sexy Girl” at number 9.
“Wanna Make Love” completed a remarkable run of singles that helped define the smooth, dancefloor-ready sound of the era. Thomas toured extensively, building particularly strong followings in the UK and Brazil - two territories that have continued to celebrate this style of soul music.
1987
The landmark Lillo album
No. 2
Peak chart position for “I’m In Love”
2027
Luxury Soul Weekender appearance
A Career That Never Really Stopped
Although the Capitol years remain the high point of Thomas’s commercial career, his story did not end there. He released new material in 1993 and returned to the studio in 2010, followed by a Greatest Hits compilation in 2012 that introduced his catalogue to a new generation of listeners.
In 2019, he released “Drinkin’”, a self-written and self-produced single. The pandemic years brought renewed interest in his earlier work, particularly “Good Girl”, while his contribution to Stetsasonic’s 2024 album Here We Go Again confirmed that his voice retains its warmth and power.
Today, Thomas lives in Westchester with his wife, Kim, dividing his time between music and painting - a natural continuation of the creative interests that began during his Parsons School of Design years.
Why This Booking Matters
The Luxury Soul Weekender has become one of the standout fixtures on the UK soul calendar. Each January, dedicated fans gather at Blackpool’s Grand Hotel for a weekend of live performances and DJ sets spanning Motown, Northern Soul, modern soul and R&B.
It is the perfect setting for an artist of Lillo Thomas’s calibre: a crowd that knows every word to “I’m In Love”, understands the significance of “Sexy Girl” and has been waiting for the opportunity to hear these songs performed live.
The event also sits naturally within the wider world celebrated by Expansion Records, the UK’s leading modern soul label. Its Luxury Soul compilation series has spent years documenting the sound and artists that continue to shape this community. While Thomas’s landmark recordings were released on Capitol Records, his music belongs to the same lineage of sophisticated, soulful and deeply danceable records.
A Soul Weekend to Remember
Lillo Thomas’s appearance at the Luxury Soul Weekender, taking place from 8-10 January 2027, offers a rare chance to hear the voice behind “I’m In Love” and “Sexy Girl” performed live by the man himself.
With a dedicated audience, an atmosphere built around shared musical discovery and a lineup rooted in the modern soul tradition, the weekend promises something special for long-time fans and newer listeners alike.
Keep an eye on the official Luxury Soul Weekender channels for ticket details and the full lineup announcement. In the meantime, revisit Lillo Thomas’s catalogue and explore the soul compilations from Expansion Records to get ready for a memorable weekend in Blackpool.
Be There in January 2027
Secure your place at the Luxury Soul Weekender at Blackpool’s Grand Hotel.
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