Thomas, a native of Galveston, Texas, earned his Master of Music in Piano Performance from Chicago Musical College-Roosevelt University in 1989, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Texas A&I University (Kingsville) in 1986 with honors.

Regarded as an accomplished performer in both the classical and popular genres, Thomas has collaborated with numerous vocal artists including the late world-renowned bass-baritone, William Warfield. In addition, he has performed with various choral and gospel groups such as the All-City Elementary Youth Chorus and the Voices of Resurrection, with whom he toured Vienna and Australia, respectively. Jefferson was a participant in the Eleventh International Chopin Piano Competition in Poland, and has performed as a recitalist across the country and within the Chicago area.

As a skilled music transcriber, he has transcribed the music of gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin and Walter Hawkins, to name a few. Thomas' hymn arrangements are published by Augsburg Press.

Currently, Thomas serves on the piano faculty of the Sherwood Conservatory of Music, and is music minister at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows on Chicago's westside.

In addition, Thomas is music editor of World Library Publications' IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH, music from the African American Community, Series.