Lee Jay Thompson is a highly talented and versatile musician from England. He was born on October 5th, 1957, and has made significant contributions to the music industry as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and composer. With over four decades of experience in the field, Thompson has made a name for himself as a prominent figure in the music world. He gained widespread recognition in the late 1970s as a founding member and saxophonist of the iconic English ska band Madness. His exceptional musical abilities and creative vision have earned him a well-deserved place in the annals of music history.
During the mid-1970s, the two young men Thompson and Mike Barson made a name for themselves in North London as graffiti artists. The two friends, who would later form the band Madness, were inspired by the burgeoning graffiti scene in New York City and began spray-painting their nicknames, “Kix” and “Mr B”, all over North London. They were often accompanied by their friends, “Cat” and “Columbo”, who also left their mark on the town.
Their graffiti caught the attention of locals, including the famous jazz musician George Melly. In fact, they even tagged Melly’s garage door with their nicknames, which didn’t sit well with the musician. In response, Melly wrote a newspaper article condemning the group and threatening to “kick their arses” if he ever caught them. Despite the danger, Thompson and Barson continued their graffiti art, which later inspired the distinctive visual style of Madness.
Lee Thompson played a pivotal role in the group’s formation in 1976. Together with Mike Barson and Chris Foreman, Thompson wrote the band’s debut single, “The Prince“, which was met with critical acclaim. His songwriting prowess was evident in other Madness singles, including “Embarrassment“, “House of Fun”, and “Uncle Sam”, which he either wrote or co-wrote.
Thompson’s personal experiences as a petty criminal and his subsequent time spent in a borstal in his youth were the driving force behind his lyrics for “Land of Hope and Glory” and “One’s Second Thoughtlessness”, both of which stand out for their poignant themes and Thompson’s unique brand of synthpop. In addition to writing these tracks, Thompson also performed lead vocals. He also lent his vocals to his own composition, “Razor Blade Alley“, a fan favourite that was often included in early Madness shows.
In 1992, Thompson reunited with all seven original members of Madness, marking a significant moment in the band’s history and a testament to the enduring legacy of Thompson’s contributions to their success.
