After several decades of disappearance, over thirty plus years; thirty-six to be exact, there has been an resurgent in some old school music that moves you. Back in the day in the late spring of May the latter part of that month in the year1983 there was a group from out of Dayton, Ohio named “New Horizons” who hit the top 40 Billboard R&B music charts with a single titled “Your Thing Is Your Thing” produced by Roger Troutman from the album “Something New” Well, that was the end of that followed by another single titled “Searching For That Lady” taken from the groups second album “Gonna Have Big Fun” in1984; you can’t really say a one hit wonder as much as you can say a one miss wonder.
Whatever happened to the Thomas Brothers’ professionally known as New Horizons? Well the band disbanded in late1986 and parted ways to pursue other professional interest. Lead singer Mark Thomas had the pleasure of touring the country and around the world with Zapp and the late Roger Troutman playing drums and singing background vocals in the late 80’s, and his younger brother Bart followed suit and is stilling touring with Zapp as of today.
Mark also produced two solo projects that were mere misses pka The Marc Anthonee Project in the summer of 1996 and in June 2018 he released a titled CD “Getta Know Ya” by M.A. Neither one of these projects hit the charts at all. Well, you may ask about the other members of New Horizons; guitarist and lead singer Tim Abrams pursued other career choices and played with other bands, while founder of the group Art Thomas Jr. stepped out of the spot-light altogether and is now an ordained Minister sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
Which leads us to baby brother Varges, Varges is the youngest of his siblings and plays keyboards, bass, talk-box, Melotica, percussion, lead and background vocals. He also is a Producer, Arranger, Composer and Entertainer. He has his first single “Give It To Ya” taken from his first forth-coming CD titled Destiny; which is being heard on IheartRadio, Spotify, Pandora, and Jango.com music apps to name a few across the country and around the world. The CD is comprised of old school, R&B, smooth jazz, Southern Soul, Steppin, funk and inspirational music displaying his many facets. The sound is appealing to young and middle age listeners’ who enjoy a nice groove with a soulful touch of rhythms.
You ask how I know so much about the history of New Horizons and Varges Thomas; well that’s because I am the unknown third brother of the Thomas’ the author of this article.