Irma Thomas is the subject of Friday night’s Blues Cruise from 6-8 PM Central time. Irma had a hit with her first recording, “Don’t Mess With My Man” which reached number 22 on the Rhythm & Blues record charts in 1959. Following that she had a string of hits including “It’s Raining”, “Wish Someone Would Care”, “Breakaway” and “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is”. Two of her songs were later covered by others and became hits for them; “Ruler of My Heart” (later covered by Otis Redding as “Pain In My Heart”) and “Time Is On My Side” (Rolling Stones).
Irma performed at the 2002 Madison Blues Festival and the interview and original broadcast of the show was done just prior to that event. 
Photo courtesy of Infrogmation
