Patti Roberts Thompson is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She is the daughter of country singer and politician Jim Ed Brown. She began her music career in the early 1980s and has released several albums. Her songs have been featured in several films and television shows. She is best known for her song "Romeo," which was a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984.
Early Life and Career
Patti Roberts Thompson was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 14, 1958. She is the third of four daughters born to Jim Ed Brown and his wife, Maxine Brown. Her father was a successful country singer and politician who served as a member of the Tennessee State Senate from 1981 to 1987.
Thompson began singing at a young age and performed with her father and sisters in the Jim Ed Brown Family Show. She also sang with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Nashville Children's Choir. In 1980, she signed a recording contract with MCA Records.
Musical Career
Thompson released her debut album, "Patti Roberts Thompson," in 1982. The album was a critical and commercial success and produced two Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "Key Largo" and "Romeo." Her subsequent albums, "Born to Love" (1983) and "Patti" (1985), were also successful and produced several hit singles.
In the late 1980s, Thompson's career began to decline due to several personal and professional challenges. She struggled with drug addiction and was arrested several times. In 1991, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite these challenges, she continued to perform and release music.
In 2010, Thompson released her first album in over a decade, "This Is Me." The album received positive reviews and was a critical success. She continues to tour and perform and has released several more albums in recent years.
Personal Life
Thompson has been married twice. Her first marriage, to songwriter Dennis O'Brien, ended in divorce. She has two children from her second marriage, to businessman Larry Thompson.
Thompson has been open about her struggles with drug addiction and multiple sclerosis. She has credited her faith in God and the support of her family and friends for helping her to overcome these challenges.
Awards and Accomplishments
Thompson has won several awards for her music, including a Grammy Award, a Country Music Association Award, and two Academy of Country Music Awards. She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1995.