It is with much sorrow that we have learned of the passing of five-time Grammy-award winning superstar BJ Thomas whose music continues to bring millions memories as sweet as candy of a much kinder and gentler time in their lives.

   Headlining the Ridgeland Chamber's 2006 Awards Banquet, themed "Hooked On Ridgeland", BJ Thomas and his band of musicians traveled to Jackson from his home in Arlington, Texas and entertained a capacity crowd with such popular hits as "I Just Can't Help Believing", "Eyes of a New York Woman", "(Hey, Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" and "Hooked On A Feeling".

   But, it was his signature recording "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head", a #1 pop hit and Oscar winner for best original song as part of the soundtrack to the biggest movie of 1969 "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", which brought the house down!  Since then, in 2013, "Raindrops" was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

  BJ Thomas, who enjoyed success on the pop, country and gospel charts, stepped out onto the Hilton Jackson's stage and announced to the delight of the crowd, "I'm Hooked on Ridgeland!"

    Following his concert, he spent hours signing autographs and posing for pictures with Ridgeland Chamber members and guests who had filled the Hilton's lobby.

   BJ Thomas . . . how lucky we were to have you headline our 2006 Awards Banquet.  Your unique voice, love songs and beautiful blue eyes will live on in our memories forever.