Barbara Thomas Salloum

 College–Barbara attended Dominican College in New Orleans for two years, and obtained a degree from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi.

Sun Records–Barbara and her brothers Cliff and Ed Thomas recorded four records  in Memphis for Sun Records Company for Sam Phillips.  Cliff sang the lead, Ed played the piano, Cliff and Ed wrote the songs, and Barbara and Ed sang background. Their first release, “I’m On My Way Home”, was performed on American Bandstand on March 14, 1958.  Barbara recorded a record of her own under the title “Bobbie and the Boys”.  She recorded the songs “To Tell The Truth” and “These Silly Blues”  with her brothers.  Ed and Cliff went on to record many artists and were nominated for a Grammy award.

Teen Tempos–Barbara hosted a popular program called “Teen Tempos” at WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi for three years from 1958 to 1960.

Theatre–Barbara has been the lead in numerous local theatre productions, including Brigadoon, South Pacific, Gypsy, Hello Dolly, Funny Girl, Mame, and Best Little Whore House in Texas.

Good Morning, South Mississippi–In 1977, Barbara began at WLOX-TV (an ABC affiliate) in Biloxi, Mississippi as the host of “Good Morning, South Mississippi”. She interviewed numerous stars, including Dolly Parton, Tom Hanks, William Shatner, James Brolin, John James, Robert Ulrich, and Morgan Fairchild.  Barbara hosted the show for more than 10 years, with her last show being January 22, 1988. Barbara’s show was chosen as one of four talk shows in America to be featured on “Good Morning, America” with Joan Lunden and David Hartman. Barbara retired from WLOX-TV on December 4, 1998.

All My Children–In 1986, Barbara played the part of a secretary at the Pine Valley Hospital on “All My Children.”

Charities–Barbara’s involvement with fundraising activities includes the American Heart Association where she was honored in 2004.  Barbara published a cook book in 1988, “How to be a Star in Your Kitchen”.  Her good friend Celia Faulk was her editor and collaborator for the cookbook.  The book was reprinted after Hurricane Katrina and proceeds go to American Heart Association.  
Barbara was actively involved in the planning of the Heart Association Sounds of the Holidays annual event that continues through today.