BIG BAND SINGER / FORMER SUMO WRESTLER
Craig Spent 3.5 years in Japan Sumo Wrestling
(This Picture was 1st day of sumo, 275 lbs)
Craig Thompson, better known as “Big T,” has a reputation for doing things in a mighty big way. The former sumo wrestler who used to tip the scales at 400 pounds has since reinvented himself as a singer and bandleader, and is currently performing to packed houses across the country and overseas in support of his debut CD, Born to Be Wild. This is straight off of the Sopranos
In three short years, Big T and his 21-piece orchestra, The Bada Bings, have won over a devoted audience around the globe, performing their high-octane blend of Frank Sinatra Vegas swing and classic rock with a big band sound. Last year, Thompson had the honor of performing at Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee in London, while back in the States, he was invited to play the Gator Bowl in Florida for New Year’s Eve. He continues to perform across the U.S. with his Dallas-based orchestra at charity galas, private parties and exclusive corporate functions.
Born to be Wild, the band’s first CD, showcases Thompson’s amazing vocal range, as he covers genres ranging from swingin’ Vegas jazz to classic rock, blues, ’60s soul, and romantic ballads. The critically acclaimed album has proven a hit with his fans, and a portion of the proceeds from each CD sold goes to Big T’s two favorite Dallas charities: Our Friends’ Place (www.ourfriendsplace.org), a safe haven for abused and neglected girls, and Reading Radio Resource (www.readingresource.org), which provides books on tape for the visually impaired. Big T’s life story is super-sized too. Thompson has been a radio deejay, a 3rd class Petty Officer in the Navy, a Sumo wrestler in Japan, and an undercover narcotics officer. In 1997, he underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost 200 pounds. To celebrate his new life, he took up skydiving, and has made more than 100 jumps. For his most recent stunt, Thompson spent nine days and nights camped out on a billboard on LBJ Expressway in Dallas as a publicity stunt to promote his new CD. Today, Thompson is truly living his dream of being a “big” entertainer. His web site can even be found on Yahoo Japan. To hear tracks off Big T’s new album, visit www.BigT-Music.com. For booking or interview requests, please contact Craig Thompson at BigT@BigT-Music.com or call 972-394-8379. 6.5
years Post-Op (Open Reux-en-Y, Roux-en-Y) |
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"Big" Craig at 400 pounds
