Jaye Thomas Biography

Jaye Thomas is the oldest Son of a family of five. "I grew up with a rich spiritual legacy. I am the Son, Grandson and Great-Grandson of a line of powerful Ministers. My Great-Grandmother, the late Rev. Mary K. Waymon was a pioneer in founding the Christian Methodist Episcopal demonination in the south during the early 1900’s. My Grandmother, the late Evangelist Lucille Waddell became very well known on the east coast in the 50’s and 60's for her POWERFUL sermons with signs and wonders following. And my Mother, the late Minister Robin Thomas, was a gem in her generation and an example of wisdom personified in her ability to expound on the word and put it into everyday practicality.
I sang in church for the first time when I was 4. Since then music has been a part of my spiritual DNA. I have always known that the Father desired to use me to minister first to him then to others on a large scale. As I grow in my walk with the Father, I grow in my love for the word of God and the things that concern his heart."

Jaye Thomas is a dynamic singer, songwriter, and worship leader who has been a household name among the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) community since moving to Kansas City in 2008. Jaye is well-known for his original songs which are featured on various Forerunner Music compilations and Onething Live albums, such as “We Make Room,” “We Love Your Name,” “Song of Love,” “Only One,” and more. He also has many popular co-writes with Cory Asbury, such as “Shekinah,” “Holy Ghost Party,” and “Reason to Dance.”

 Jaye’s journey began in North Carolina, growing up as one of three children in a highly musical family—his father sang professionally for twenty-five years, his mother played the piano, and all his extended family were musicians and singers, notably, his great-aunt, the renowned blues legend Nina Simone.

 While attending community college, Jaye was selected for a Brightleaf Music scholarship program to study short-term among the greatest jazz musicians and teachers at Duke University. Upon leaving the scholarship program, Jaye went into full-time ministry as a worship pastor at a church in North Florida, where he discovered the power of intercession and soon released his first full-length solo album entitled Pray. Though not in print anymore, that album set him on a course that he hasn’t looked back from.

 Since 2010, Jaye has led a gospel vocal ensemble called The Cry, made up of current or past prayer room singers and worship leaders at IHOPKC. The Cry performed with Jaye at IHOPKC’s Onething 2012 and Onething 2013 conferences and were featured alongside him on tracks from both of those years’ Onething Live albums, as well as on his 2012 single, “Higher.”

 Asked what accomplishment he is most proud of, Jaye says, “My family. I have the privilege of being married to Nayomi, my best friend, and the love of my life. She pushes me to want to live wholeheartedly for the Lord. She is the mother of our incredible children, Mahan and Justice. You can have the accomplishments. Just give me my Jesus and my family.”

Source: Ihopkc