Carla Thomas Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Carla Thomas, born in Memphis, Tennessee, kicked off her musical journey in the late 1950s, initially performing in local clubs and on radio shows. Her powerful, soulful voice caught the attention of Stax Records, leading to her signing a recording contract in 1960.

Thomas’s breakthrough came in 1961 with her debut single, “Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes),” a playful and catchy track that became an instant hit, topping the R&B charts and crossing over to the pop charts, establishing her as a significant figure in the emerging Memphis soul scene.

Carla Thomas’s Current Net Worth

As of 2025, Carla Thomas’s current net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. This figure takes into account her successful music career, business ventures, and investments.

Carla Thomas’s Career

Carla Thomas is an American singer and songwriter, widely recognized for her significant contributions to the soul music genre. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she began her professional music career in the 1960s. Thomas is best known for her hit single “B-A-B-Y,” released in 1966, which became an R&B classic. She has also collaborated with other legendary artists like Otis Redding and Booker T. & the M.G.’s.

Other Ventures

Beyond her music career, Carla Thomas has ventured into entrepreneurship. She has owned and operated several businesses, including a successful restaurant in Memphis. Additionally, she has been involved in real estate investments, further diversifying her income streams.

Assets

Carla Thomas’s assets include a substantial music catalog, real estate properties, and business investments. She owns a historic home in Memphis, which she has restored and uses as a personal residence. Her music catalog, consisting of her original compositions and recordings, is a significant asset that generates royalties.

Annual Income

Carla Thomas’s annual income is primarily derived from her music royalties, business ventures, and investments. Her exact annual earnings are not publicly disclosed. However, it’s estimated that her annual income from music royalties alone can range from $500,000 to $1 million, depending on the performance of her music catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Carla Thomas

Frequently Asked Questions about Carla Thomas Net Worth

1. What is Carla Thomas’ net worth?

Carla Thomas’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

2. How did Carla Thomas make her fortune?

Carla Thomas is a singer and songwriter, best known for her 1961 hit “B-A-B-Y.” She also had success with other songs like “Gee Whiz (Look at Those Eyes)” and “I’ve Got My Eyes on You.” She made her fortune through her music career, including record sales, touring, and songwriting royalties.

3. Is Carla Thomas related to the famous Thomas family in music?

Yes, Carla Thomas is the daughter of Rufus Thomas and the sister of the legendary soul singer, Ann Peebles. Her family is indeed famous in the music industry, with her father and uncle, Isaac Hayes, also being notable figures.

4. What was Carla Thomas’ biggest hit?

Carla Thomas’ biggest hit was “B-A-B-Y,” which reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961.

5. When did Carla Thomas start her music career?

Carla Thomas started her music career in the late 1950s, with her first single, “No Sense” released in 1959.

6. What record label was Carla Thomas signed to?

Carla Thomas was signed to Stax Records, a renowned soul and R&B label based in Memphis, Tennessee.

7. Has Carla Thomas won any awards for her music?

Yes, Carla Thomas has been inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame. She has also received a Grammy nomination for her song “B-A-B-Y.”

8. What happened to Carla Thomas’ music after Stax Records closed?

After Stax Records closed in 1975, Carla Thomas continued to record and release music on various labels, including Fantasy Records and Malaco Records. She also continued to perform live.

9. Is Carla Thomas still active in the music industry?

While Carla Thomas is not as active as she once was, she still performs live occasionally and has released new music in recent years. She remains an influential figure in soul and R&B music.

10. What is Carla Thomas’ most recent album?

Carla Thomas’ most recent album is “Carla & Rufus Thomas: Father & Daughter,” a compilation album released in 2017 that features duets with her father, Rufus Thomas.