&B/jazz singer-songwriter and drummer Arthur Thompson is set to release his highly anticipated album, Keep On Dreaming: Arthurized Volume 1, on March 20. This ten-track collection blends soulful storytelling with purpose-driven artistry, delivering messages of optimism, empowerment, mental health awareness, and unwavering support for those battling cancer.
Thompson’s latest single, an upbeat reimagining of Roberta Flack’s classic “I Needed You,” features Grammy-nominated guitarist Peter White. White’s signature nylon-string guitar elevates the song’s groove, bringing new life to the track originally penned for the 1981 film Bustin’ Loose. The single is already climbing the Billboard charts, showcasing Thompson’s ability to connect past and present musical worlds.
Reflecting on the song, Thompson says, “There was a scene in the movie starring Cicely Tyson and Richard Pryor where the characters locked eyes and this beautiful song began playing. At that time, I knew nothing about falling in love, but I felt something in that moment. The movie was about helping children that society had written off, and it inspired me to do the same in my own life.” Thompson later founded the nonprofit Build A Life, Save A Life, home to programs like Math & Music and Drums Speak, which unite music and education to support children in need.
Over recent years, Thompson has released six singles featuring renowned collaborators including Mindi Abair, Dave Koz, Marcus Anderson, Tom Braxton, Erin Stevenson, and The Boneshakers. Beyond his drumming, Thompson’s silky tenor voice carries tales of love, inspiration, and resilience, bringing each story to life with authenticity and emotion.
The album opens with “Smile,” a 2023 single featuring Abair on saxophone, a heartfelt tribute to the woman Thompson calls his muse. The title track, Keep On Dreaming, will be released as a single in May and carries his empowering message: “Keep on dreaming, dream big, dream forever, dream beyond what you can imagine. Don’t stay in your state of discouragement. Keep believing and absolutely never give up!”
Other highlights include “Oasis,” a vivid, joyful reinterpretation of a Flack classic, infused with African percussion including djembe, sangban, kenkeni, and dununba drums. “Oasis” transports listeners to a place of safety, love, and peace while reflecting Thompson’s distinctive cultural influences.
A tender moment comes in “Missing My Father,” co-written with bassist Cortez Johnson and pianist Fred Smith. Released as a single in 2023, it blends Thompson’s emotive vocals with Smith’s piano and Ron Reinhart’s dramatic string arrangements. In contrast, “I’m Free,” an instrumental single featuring Braxton’s impassioned saxophone, celebrates self-discovery and personal empowerment, with Thompson joyfully singing the chorus alongside powerhouse vocalist Erin Stevenson.
Thompson’s socially conscious songwriting is evident in “We Can BEAT Cancer,” written after several women close to him—including his sister, best friend, and the mother of his daughter—were diagnosed with breast cancer. Featuring Koz and Stevenson, the song combines vintage 70s R&B with a clear message of hope, awareness, and action. Thompson says, “All I can do is continue to help the research go forward and inform women about the importance of mammograms. This is my way of showing that I care and that I will do what I can to help.”
Thompson also explores relationships and mental health with tracks like “Show Me” and “Where Are You Now,” the latter a raw R&B-rocker written after a difficult breakup. Released during Mental Health Awareness Month, the song underscores his advocacy for mental health, encouraging listeners to seek help and not suffer in silence.
The album closes with “Teardrops,” a reflective track on self-love and resilience, featuring Marcus Anderson’s emotive saxophone and flute. Thompson notes, “Just because a person decides not to be part of your life doesn’t mean you’re not worthy of love. Sometimes the very person you need is right in front of you. You just have to step into the light of freedom.”
Thompson debuted as a solo artist in 2020 with The 7 Principles of Kwanzaa, celebrating African heritage, unity, and culture. Recognized as the Breakout Artist of the Year by the Smooth Jazz Network in 2023, his Arthurized brand extends beyond music into education, books, and humanitarian efforts. Through each project, Thompson continues to create meaningful impact for at-risk youth, foster human connection, and counter music education budget cuts. He has also authored three books reflecting his belief in family, imagination, and resilience.
Keep On Dreaming: Arthurized Volume 1 tracklist:
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“Smile”
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“Keep on Dreaming”
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“Oasis”
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“Missing My Father”
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“I’m Free”
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“I Needed You”
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“We Can BEAT Cancer”
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“Show Me”
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“Where Are You Now”
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“Teardrops”
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