Ginger Thompson

Lead Vocals & Percussion 

The Ginger Thompson Band has enjoyed playing in and around the Raleigh area for many years. With a heart & soul of Motown/R&B, we also play a variety of music to fit our audiences. Sometimes it's a little more country or beach; sometimes a little more rock & pop. In my earlier years I spent some time recording not only locally, but with Capricorn Records and Chess Records. Most recently I performed at the 2018 Beach Music Award Show in Myrtle Beach, SC. My love of music began early in life and continues still today. When it comes to the music, I've always considered the band to be half of the music. The other half is my audience. This connection is what makes it all so much fun! I'm so thankful for my wonderful journey through music.

Bass Guitar &  Vocals 

JT grew up in Raleigh in a musical family, and began learning guitar at the age of eight. He formed his first band during high school, and while in college, JT began teaching himself the bass and began playing in cover bands around Raleigh. Since that time JT has played hundreds of shows around the area. From the Berkeley Cafe to the long-gone Scramble Dog, the Switch and Southland Ballroom, from the Lincoln Theater to Fat Daddy's, JT has enjoyed rocking the stage and had the opportunity to play with some really talented bands and musicians. JT has always loved early Rock-n-Roll, Blues, R&B, Country, and Jazz, and finds his musical tastes shaped by the sounds coming from his first AM radio back in the 70's. JT is a member of the Crossroads Fellowship Worship Team, and is featured on the 2014 "All Things New" CD. He can be found playing electric guitar and bass on Sunday mornings at the Crossroads Millbrook Campus.

Keyboard & Vocals 

Eddie began playing piano in his early teenage years, learning much from his aunt and his sister. He joined his first band in the late 60’s. The British Invasion, and especially the Beatles, were among his early influences. His journey though music has included a wide variety of genres. He has enjoyed playing Beach Music, Motown/Soul, Country, Rock & Jazz. He has also played in various church bands, gospel groups, and choirs. He is currently playing keyboards with the Ginger Thompson Band from Raleigh, NC. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, hanging out at the beach, and the pool, listening to music.

Drummer & Vocals 

I began my drumming adventure after watching Ringo Star on the Ed Sullivan show back in the sixties.  After serving in the Army, I joined a band called “East Coast Run”, a variety band that played everything from the Rolling Stones to the Temptations.  We backed many bands of that era including the Showmen, and opened for Herman’s Hermits. All of these and many more memories helped me develop my love for Soul, and R&B Music.

I’ve had the pleasure over the years to play music with Ginger, she’s always been my favorite lead singer, and I’m very happy to be her drummer again!

Saxophone & Vocals

 A veteran performer since the ‘60's, Eddie’s father, Dr. Sam Blair gave him his first saxophone at age 11. In 1962, Eddie, his two brothers, and friends formed their first soul band known as The Counts, playing the hit songs of the era. They still play the occasional reunion show to this day. Throughout school and college, Eddie always “had a gig” and performed with many regional Rock, Motown, Beach, Soul, and R&B bands. His high school group, The Fabulous Flareswon the 1966 NC Battle of the Bandsand went on to place 4th in the National Battle of the Bandsin Boston. 

Eddie is perhaps best known for his 50-year stint with Nantucket; arguably the most famous band to emerge from North Carolina in the 1970’s. He recorded six albums with the band on CBS/Epic and RCA Records and toured with, or opened for such musical luminaries as AC/DC, Kiss, Journey, Bob Seger, Boston, The Doobie Brothers, Heart, Foreigner, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Eddie Money, Ted Nugent, Jefferson Starship, The Brecker Brothers, The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band, Average White Band and many more. 

Retiring from full time touring in 1985, Eddie launched a new career in commercial real estate. However, music remains his passion and he continues to make time to play with numerous bands and musical projects. Nantucket continued to perform on a limited basis until 2023 and their records have now been re-released and are available for streaming or downloaded. 

As a member of Nantucket, Eddie received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Charlotte Music Award Association in 2008 and was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2012. Also an accomplished vocalist and keyboardist, Eddie’s soaring saxophone solos are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. 

Lead Guitar

Ed was born in NY but has called Raleigh his home since 2007, developing a love for Carolina Beach Music immediately after arriving in  North Carolina. Playing professionally for over 30 years performing many shows, Ed has a knack for being "on the spot" fill-in player, filling in for local bands ranging from Idlewild South to Bull City Syndicate. This former Yankee always had a love for the south as well as it's music: Southern Rock, Blues, Beach, & Soul. He loves riding his motorcycle, getting sun down at the beach, and spending time at home with his wife Heidi spoiling their granddaughter.