St Thomas native Theron Thomas has taken home the Grammy for Songwriter of the Year. 

Thomas bested Edgar Barrera, Jessie Jo Dillon, Shane McAnally, and Justin Tranter in the Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) category. 

Dedicated the award to his father, who told home when he was nine years old that he would win a Grammy. He told the story of his moving from St Thomas to the US mainland when he was 18 years old, with just $35 dollars in his pocket. 

“Theron proudly waves the U.S. Virgin Islands flag, representing not just his home island, but the entire territory, as he soars throughout the music industry as an artist, producer, and writer. We are proud of his accomplishments and unwavering dedication to showcasing the V.I.’s rhythm, culture, and talent,” said US Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte. 

Boschulte and the Department of Tourism helped host a celebratory event earlier this week in Los Angeles ahead of the Grammys ceremony. 

Thomas isthe latest USVI native to take home a Grammy,  joining jazz legend and fellow St Thomas native Dion Parson, who took home a Grammy in 1997.