Rob Thomas to Release Highly Anticipated New Album 'THE GREAT UNKNOWN', 8/21

Emblem/Atlantic recording artist Rob Thomas has announced the release of his hugely anticipated new album. "THE GREAT UNKNOWN" the multiple-GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter's first new solo album in more than six years arrives everywhere on Friday, August 21st.

Produced by a remarkable roster of studio all-stars including longtime collaborator Matt Serletic, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), Ricky Reed (Jessie, J, Jason Derulo, Twenty One Pilots), and Shep Goodman & Aaron Accetta (American Authors), "THE GREAT UNKNOWN" is available for pre-order beginning today http://smarturl.it/TheGreatUnknown. All pre-orders receive an instant grat download of the album's acclaimed first single, "Trust You," which has already shot into the Top 20 at Hot AC radio.

"Trust You" is accompanied by an electrifying companion video, directed by Phil Harder, known for his previous work with Thomas ("Lonely No More," "Ever The Same") and Matchbox Twenty ("Mad Season," "Disease") as well as his visionary commercials for iPod, Gap, and Target. The clip can be viewed now at https://youtu.be/H8kiUAgCT_k.

Thomas is currently introducing fans to "THE GREAT UNKNOWN" on a major North American tour. "THE GREAT UNKNOWN 2015" continues through August 13th (see itinerary below). Support throughout the tour comes from Thomas' special guests, Plain White T's. Fan Club membership packages are available now at fanclub.robthomasmusic.com; for further details and ticket information, please visit http://www.robthomasmusic.com.

What's more, Thomas will celebrate the release of "THE GREAT UNKNOWN" with a much anticipated performance on NBC's TODAY "Toyota Summer Concert Series" broadcast live from New York's Rockefeller Center set for Monday, August 24th (check local listings).

Rob Thomas is one of the most distinctive artists of this or any other era a gifted vocalist, spellbinding performer, and accomplished songwriter known worldwide as lead singer and primary composer with Matchbox Twenty as well as for his multi-platinum certified solo work and chart-topping collaborations with other artists. Among his countless hits are solo classics like "Lonely No More," "This Is How A Heart Breaks," and "Streetcorner Symphony," Matchbox Twenty favorites including "Push," "3AM," "If You're Gone," and "Bent," and of course "Smooth," his 3x RIAA platinum certified worldwide hit collaboration with Santana. Thomas earned three GRAMMY Awards for his role as co-writer and vocalist on "Smooth," which topped Billboard's "Hot 100" for an astounding 12 consecutive weeks and spent 58 total weeks on the chart, the #1 song in Billboard's "Top Hot 100 Rock Songs" chart history and #2 "Hot 100" song of all time.

In 2004, Thomas was the first artist to be honored with the Songwriters Hall of Fame's prestigious "Hal David Starlight Award," created to recognize a composer in the early years of his or her career that has already made a lasting impact. He has won numerous BMI and ASCAP Awards, and twice earned the "Songwriter of the Year" crown from both Billboard and BMI. Overall, Thomas has contributed to sales of more than 80 million records.

Thomas made his solo debut with 2005's platinum certified "...SOMETHING TO BE" and immediately made history as the first album by a male artist from a rock or pop group to ever debut at # 1 on the Billboard 200. Thomas' most recent solo album, 2009's "CRADLESONG," marked still another milestone, generating two #1 singles in "Her Diamonds" and "Someday." Billboard chart history was made once again, with Thomas now tied with Pink for the most #1 Adult Top 40 hits by a solo artist as well as the only male solo artist to score multiple chart-toppers at the format.

In 2012, Matchbox Twenty returned with their first all-new album in a decade, "NORTH." Fueled by the hit singles, "She's So Mean," "Overjoyed," and "Our Song," "NORTH" proved a landmark for the band, their first ever #1 debut and Billboard 200 chart-topper.

A charismatic, engaging, and indefatigable live performer, Thomas has spent much of the past two decades on the road, fronting massive world treks with Matchbox Twenty and on his own as well as a series of intimate acoustic tours. Thomas is also a dedicated philanthropist, establishing The Sidewalk Angels Foundation with his wife Marisol Thomas in 2003. Dedicated to providing critically needed funds and support to grassroots groups across the country, the New York-based not-for-profit organization is the primary supporter and sponsor of a number of no-kill animal shelters and animal rescues. Additionally, The Sidewalk Angels Foundation also supports a myriad of other causes, from childhood health and wellness to the fight against homelessness, reflecting the passion of its co-founders to fight for the rights and fair treatment of those with no voice. For additional information on The Sidewalk Angels Foundation, please visit www.sidewalkangelsfoundation.org.

For more information, please see www.robthomasmusic.com, twitter.com/ThisIsRobThomas, www.facebook.com/robthomas, www.youtube.com/user/RobThomasVideos, and www.atlanticrecords.com.

THE GREAT UNKNOWN TRACK LISTING:

1. I Think We'd Feel Good Together
2. Trust You
3. Hold On Forever
4. Wind It Up
5. One Shot
6. The Great Unknown
7. Absence Of Affection
8. Things You Said
9. Paper Dolls
10. NLYTM
11. Heaven Help Me
12. Lie To Me
13. Pieces

ROB THOMAS

"THE GREAT UNKNOWN 2015"

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

w/Special Guests PLAIN WHITE T'S

JUNE
30		Portland, OR		The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
JULY
2		Saratoga, CA		The Mountain Winery
3		Modesto, CA		Gallo Center for the Arts
5		Paso Robles, CA		Vina Robles Amphitheater
7		Riverside, CA		Fox Performing Arts Center
9		Phoenix, AZ		Comerica Theatre
11		San Antonio, TX		Majestic Theatre
12		Austin, TX		ACL Live at The Moody Theater
13		Tulsa, OK		Brady Theater
15		St. Louis, MO		Peabody Opera House
18		Highland Park, IL		Ravinia Festival
21		Atlanta, GA		Delta Classic Chastain Park Amphitheater
22		Nashville, TN		Ryman Auditorium
24		Clearwater, FL		Ruth Eckerd Hall
25		St. Augustine, FL		St. Augustine Amphitheatre
26		N. Charleston, SC		North Charleston Performing Arts Center
28		Charlotte, NC		Uptown Amphitheatre at NC Music Factory
29		Portsmouth, VA		nTelos Wireless Pavilion
31		Red Bank, NJ		Count Basie Theatre
AUGUST
1		Red Bank, NJ		Count Basie Theatre
2		Atlantic City, NJ		Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
4		Bethlehem, PA		Sands Bethlehem Event Center
5		Boston, MA		Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
6		New York, NY		Beacon Theatre
8		New York, NY		Beacon Theatre
9		Uncasville, CT		Mohegan Sun Arena
10		Morristown, NJ		Mayo Performing Arts Center
13		Englewood, NJ		Bergen Performing Arts Center