Thomas Strayhorn is a singer-songwriter originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. “His simple melodies draw from folk but veer toward alt-country, likely thanks to Strayhorn’s brassy twang. They’re adorned with little more than bare-bones arrangements (think: Joe Pug or Langhorne Slim), but Strayhorn’s songs tell stories that unfold poetically and genuinely...” — Patrick Wall (INDYWEEK).
Thomas released "Long Johns" in the spring of 2023. The lyrics felt appropriate for his first release in two years: “I’ve been busy for so damn long // I do not know just what I did, but I think I had to get it done”. Getting back on the music track, he released “Unless You Want Me To” in March of 2024 and has other new music coming this year.
He has recorded with James Phillips (Bombadil), Kate Rhudy , Alex Bingham (Magic AL, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Dead Tongues) and Ford Garrard (Boy Named Banjo) && shared stages with Esmé Patterson, Dee White, Cale Tyson, Boy Named Banjo, Bombadil, Kate Rhudy, Holly Arrowsmith, Diane Cluck, Rodes Baby and other lovely souls.
Thomas has been featured on American Songwriter and IndyWeek, and he is a 2023-24 Studios of Key West Peyton Evans Artist in Residence. He currently lives in So. Portland, Maine and owns many pairs of long johns :)