(September 9th 1906 - June 2nd 1926)

Born in Houston, Texas in 1906, Hersal Thomas was the youngest sibling of George W. Thomas and Beulah Thomas (aka 'Sippie' Wallace). Although he died at a young age his music and recordings would have a lasting influence on the Chicago school of Boogie-woogie piano. His records of particular impact include his most famous "Suitcase Blues" and "The Fives" an early boogie co-written with his older brother. Hersal Thomas reportedly died from food poisoning during June 1926 while working in Detroit, Michigan at Penny's Pleasure Inn.