Irma Thomas is the 'Soul Queen of New Orleans,' a singer whose deep, warm, and soulful voice has made her a legend of R&B. She gained fame in the early 1960s with hits like 'It’s Raining' and 'Time Is on My Side' (the latter of which was famously covered by the Rolling Stones). Thomas’s music captures the unique spirit of New Orleans, blending gospel, blues, and pop. Despite never achieving the same level of mainstream crossover success as Aretha Franklin, she remains one of the most respected figures in American roots music. After her club was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, she made a triumphant comeback with the 2006 album 'After the Rain,' which won her a Grammy Award. Thomas continues to perform regularly, her voice as powerful and evocative as ever, serving as a living link to the golden era of New Orleans soul.