"St. Thomas" is perhaps the most recognizable instrumental in the repertoire of American jazz tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins , who is usually credited as its composer. However, it is actually based on a traditional nursery song from the Virgin Islands, which Rollins' mother sang to him when he was a child. As such, it has a distinct Caribbean vibe to it. "St. Thomas" became popular when it was released on Rollins' 1956 album Saxophone Colossus, though it had previously been recorded by Randy Weston in 1955 under the title "Fire Down There", on his Get Happy album. The tune is now considered to be a jazz standard and has been recorded by dozens of artists.
