Malone Thomason was born February 12, 1925 in Toccoa, Georgia. His earliest musical influence was his mother who played piano at Rock Creek Baptist Church. It was in this church that Malone sang his first solo at age 3, “Jesus Loves Me.” During Malone’s early years the Thomason’s hosted a Sunday afternoon sing along at their home. Family and friends would gather to sing from the Stamps Baxter Music Company’s song books and later the Broadman Hymnal.

In 1939 Malone, a freshman at Stevens County High School, joined the Future Farmers of America Quartet. The quartet would go on to win 4 consecutive state championships, all during Malone’s high school career.

When Malone graduated High School in 1942 he was immediately enlisted by the Department of The Navy and went to work for Greenville Steele and Foundry Company in Greenville, South Carolina where he began working as a draftsman in support of the war effort (World War II). Between 1946 and 1950, when Malone could find the time, he studied structural engineering at Clemson University.

Malone left Greenville Steele in 1950 and went to work as an architect for Jack Freeman at the W.E. Freeman Jr. Architect Company, also in Greenville. It was in this same year that Malone began singing with Palmetto State Quartet. Malone mainly sang baritone but would occasionally take the melody. During Malone’s tenure with Palmetto State Quartet they performed weekly on Greenville radio station WFBC (which is now WYFF). The quartet had a thirty minute radio program every Sunday morning at 8:00AM.

In 1955 Malone went back to school. This time he would study music at Furman University. In the course of his studies, Malone found a love for Psychology, and after finishing his 4 year degree in music decided to stay on one more year to finish out a degree in psychology. It was this course of study that Malone says brought him closer to the Lord.

Pastor J.J. Sparks of Woodside Baptist Church in Greenville enlisted the talents of Malone Thomason as the church’s music minister during his entire tenure at Furman University. It was while serving in this capacity that Malone met the pastor’s daughter, the church organist, Betty Sparks. Malone and Betty were married in 1957.

Malone was a very busy man during this period of time. While still attending Furman University and catering to the needs of his church, Malone and a friend founded the Thomason Keenan Construction Company. Between 1955 and 1960 their company oversaw the construction of 48 buildings in the Greenville area. In fact, Palmetto State Quartet member Jack Pittman enlisted Thomason Keenan to construct his home.

When Malone graduated from the university he and Betty moved to Spindale, North Carolina where Malone became the Minister of Music at Spencer Baptist Church. He would serve 38 years at this church before his retirement in 1998. One of Malone’s proudest achievements was the formation and success of the Graded Choir Program at Spencer Baptist. This program, for children ages 4 through 13, would grow to nearly 250 active students. The students were instructed in the rudiments and theory of music and performed in multiple choirs. In 1995 Malone was awarded as the Outstanding Minister of Music for The Southern Baptist Convention for his efforts and the track record of this great ministry.

Following his retirement in 1998 he was called on by Mount Vernon Baptist Church, also in Spindale, to help them with their music program. Malone says that the job was supposed to be a fill in position but it has turned into a full time job. Nearly at age 80 he is still serving this church.

Malone is currently singing with a Barbershop Quartet which formed out of a Senior Adults group (called Fun, Fellowship, and Singing) which meets at a local senior’s center. They sing several times per month. He also directs the Rutherford County Chorus every Christmas. Malone formed this group in 1962 in an effort to bring a more sophisticated genre of music to the area where he lived. The group performs Handel’s Messiah under his direction every Christmas and has over 100 active members.

Malone also started and directs a senior "Kitchen Band" which regularly performs at Nursing Homes and senior events. He still serves as soloist for local civic, community, and church events. He has released several tapes and CD’s, which include Christmas carols, Hymns, and one featuring "Love Songs of the 40's"

If you would like to contact Malone Thomason please send email to malone@palmettostatequartet.com. You email will be forwarded to him directly.