Ural Thomas and the Pain

Ural Thomas and the Pain is a Portland-based soul band fronted by legendary singer Ural Thomas. Thomas originally made his mark in the 1960s, performing alongside icons like Otis Redding and James Brown and recording for labels like UNI and King Records. After stepping back from the spotlight for several decades, he reemerged in the 2010s with a powerhouse backing band, The Pain — a multigenerational ensemble known for their tight arrangements and throwback soul sound.

Rooted in vintage R&B and bursting with energetic live performances, Ural Thomas and the Pain have earned a reputation for reviving classic soul with authenticity and heart. Their albums, like Dancing Dimensions and The Right Time, blend old-school grooves with fresh energy, drawing crowds of both longtime soul fans and new listeners alike. Ural’s rich, heartfelt vocals are at the center of it all, making every track feel timeless.