Meet Chris Thomas

R. Cory Johnson is a Jacksonville, Florida native and lifelong musician whose passion for music began at an early age. Starting on drums in church at just 10 years old, he later expanded into piano, keyboard, songwriting, and arranging.

Today, Cory is an accomplished keyboardist, producer, arranger, and film composer, as well as the founder and CEO of Melodic Music Productions LLC. Throughout his career, he has performed, recorded, and toured both nationally and internationally with numerous Gospel and R&B artists, earning recognition for his versatility and musicianship.

In 2025–2026, Cory composed his first major film score for The Secret Between Us, released in AMC Theaters under Hidden Gem Entertainment.

Cory currently serves as keyboardist and musical director for The Chris Thomas Project, helping deliver high-energy performances and world-class entertainment for audiences across the country and abroad, including appearances with Virgin Voyages.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, 29-year-old multi-instrumentalist Luke Stribling has built a reputation as a dynamic and versatile performer throughout Northeast Florida and beyond. Inspired by his father at an early age, Luke began his musical journey on piano before spending several years playing guitar and eventually discovering his true voice on the saxophone at the age of nine. In addition to saxophone, he continues to actively perform on piano while also playing guitar, bass, and flute. One of Luke’s earliest musical milestones came in high school when he performed at Carnegie Hall with the Douglas Anderson Wind Symphony. With a strong early interest in electronic music production and composition, Luke initially pursued university studies to deepen his understanding of improvisation, composition, and instrumental performance in support of his production work. Along the way, however, he developed a deep passion for jazz. After studying the foundations of bebop, blues, and swing at University of Central Florida, he returned to Jacksonville to complete his Jazz Studies education under the mentorship of John Ricci at Jacksonville University. During his college years, Luke became a member of a Jacksonville-based brass band that toured extensively, recorded original music, and performed at many of Northeast Florida’s premier venues, including Daily’s Place, Seawalk Pavilion, and Colonial Oak Music Park. As a professional musician, Luke works as a freelance saxophonist, performing at private events for notable figures including Trevor Lawrence, contributing to recording projects, and sharing his passion for music through teaching. Today, he continues to expand his career as the saxophonist for The Chris Thomas Project while also performing internationally aboard Virgin Voyages as a guest artist alongside Chris Thomas’ five-piece band. Known for his energetic performances, genre versatility, and commanding stage presence, Luke brings a modern yet soulful approach to every performance — honoring the traditions of the music that came before him while remaining authentic to his own artistic voice.

Jacksonville native Jared is a drummer and percussionist known for bringing energy, versatility, and groove to every performance. In addition to performing with The Chris Thomas Project, Jared currently tours with artists including Yung Bleu and Johnny Gill.

With a passion for live music, strong family values, and a love for great food, Jared brings both personality and professionalism to the stage every night.

Noah Green is a Jacksonville, Florida native born and raised with a lifelong passion for music and live performance. Originally starting as a drummer, Noah expanded into guitar over the last decade and quickly developed into a versatile multi-instrumentalist.

Throughout his career, he has been blessed with opportunities to perform alongside artists including Keyshia Cole, Monica, Tank, and others. Known for his musicianship, versatility, and passion for performing, Noah continues to grow as an artist while looking forward to the opportunities and experiences ahead.

Originally from Jacksonville, he brings versatility to the band on low brass, percussion, and piano.

With more than 20 years of international touring experience, he has received multiple Grammy nominations and holds credits on major artist songs and albums.

When he’s not performing, he’s a licensed Accounting Technology Specialist, a Florida Board Certified Educator, and loves spending time biking.

Jacksonville native Wyatt is a trumpet player whose passion for live performance and music has taken him across a variety of stages and audiences. As a freelance musician, he enjoys the opportunity to travel, perform, and experience new places through music.

Long before joining The Chris Thomas Project, Wyatt remembers attending Chris Thomas big band performances as an audience member. Today, he’s proud to help bring that same energy and entertainment experience to new audiences as part of the band.

Michael Ferguson is a seasoned bassist with more than 30 years of experience performing across a wide range of genres, including jazz, gospel, R&B, and contemporary music. Known for his solid groove, versatility, and steady musicianship, Mike has built a reputation as both a dynamic performer and a dependable presence on stage and in the studio.

Throughout his career, Mike has spent several years performing on Broadway tours and has shared his talent with audiences around the world, including performances in Spain, Japan, and Switzerland. His passion for music, professionalism, and ability to connect through live performance continue to make him a respected musician in every setting he enters.