Biography

Arthur Thompson- a Tulsa native who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee- is a drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter, producer, author, designer, entrepreneur, and teacher. He was the drummer for the late Wayman Tisdale. Arthur recorded and performed the song “Cryin for Me” with Toby Keith, along with Dave Koz and Marcus Miller. Toby Keith wrote this song in honor of Wayman Tisdale. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2011. Arthur currently performs with Mindi Abair. He is also an artist and musician on the annual Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise.
Deeply moved by the realities faced by at-risk children, as well as the drastic reduction of music and arts education in schools today, Arthur created Math & Music©, a curriculum that relates basic mathematical concepts using rhythms and incorporating repetitive auditory memorization skills. This curriculum has been taught in Oklahoma, Texas, California, Uganda, and Nicaragua.
For over 10 years, Arthur was also a co-founder and a director of the Promises for Families© Foundation, which provided summer camps and school programs for children and youth with an incarcerated parent. Arthur now is the founder and director of Build a Life, Save a Life©- a nonprofit 501c3 that continues to impact lives of youth.
Arthur spent over 20 years as an elementary/ middle school teacher and band director. He has created, grown, and developed music programs. In addition to traveling the world with his music, Arthur can also be found teaching his Drums Speak program. This program combines two of his passions: drumming and the youth! He has created a way to mix music and education by energizing, engaging, and inspiring children. He has an immense passion for both his music and the children that he works with on a daily basis.
Last year, Arthur launched a “We Can BEAT Cancer” campaign to support cancer research. His song “We Can BEAT Cancer” (featuring Dave Koz and Erin Stevenson) is very dear to his heart.
It is so important to him that this awareness continues. He is currently working on another campaign called “It’s Ok to Not Be Ok”. Through this, he hopes to bring more attention to the mental health issues faced by so many of us and those we love.
Arthur’s music can be found on all your favorite streaming platforms. Be sure to check out his latest songs Smile, We Can BEAT Cancer, and Oasis. He is currently working on more music that he is excited to share with you. Arthur was honored to be named Smooth Jazz Network’s “Breakout Artist of the Year” for 2023.
Arthurized