Joanne Thomas

Joanne Thomas was a member of Jomanda. In 1995 Backroom Productions Ruffneck project was reborn, this time with Jomanda's Joanne Yavahn Thomas providing the writing and vocal input. Now teamed with "Little" Louis Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzales' Master At Work Records, Ruffneck's return to form resulted in a home run of historic proportions. The now classic, "Everybody Be Somebody" was a Billboard Magazine dance chart topper in 1996, selling over 200,000 copies in the process. The success resulted in non-stop touring for Yavahn, often accompanied by Stephen Wilson and newest member of the Backroom Productions/Ruffneck team, DJ Shaheer Williams. In May of 2000 Ruffneck was rocked by the shocking news that Joanne Yavahn Thomas lead singer, co-founder of Jomanda, writing partner, and the voice behind Ruffneck, was diagnosed with colon cancer. In October of 2003 Joanne tragically lost her hard three-year battle with cancer. Vowing to keep her memory alive Backroom Productions returned to the studio forming a new record label headed by Shaheer Williams, Soul Groove Records. Soul Groove marks the triumphant return of Backroom Productions and Ruffneck featuring Yavahn. Due for release in Spring/Summer 2004, are as yet un-released songs by Joanne and a full album of remixes from the previous 1999 Ruffneck release, "New Life".