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Hot Chocolate founder and You Sexy Thing co-writer Tony Wilson dies
TL;DR
Tony Wilson, co-founder of the soul band Hot Chocolate and co-writer of 'You Sexy Thing,' has died at 89. He passed away at his home in Trinidad, leaving behind a significant musical legacy.
Key points
- Tony Wilson was the bassist and co-founder of Hot Chocolate.
- He co-wrote hits like 'You Sexy Thing' and 'Emma.'
- Hot Chocolate was the first predominantly black British group to achieve success in America.
- Wilson passed away at the age of 89.
- He died at his home in Trinidad.
Mentioned in this story
Tony WilsonHot ChocolateTrinidad
You Sexy Thing
Tony Wilson, the bassist, songwriter and co-founder of the soul band Hot Chocolate, has died at the age of 89.
Along with frontman Errol Brown, Wilson co-wrote hits such as You Sexy Thing and Emma, which took the band to the top of the charts in the 1970s, before leaving to start a solo career.
The group were also the first predominantly black British group to achieve major chart success in America.
Wilson died on Friday at his home in Trinidad, his family confirmed on social media.
"Dad left us today," his daughter wrote on Facebook. "He left a lot of music behind... forever and ever."
"I am thankful that on Friday 17th during our conscious talk time he was led to the Lord with understanding.
"Some mornings later he asked for prayers. He said that he was leaving.
"The peace that I have is knowing that his soul escaped. He is in and at peace."
Wilson's son Danny added: "It's been an emotional weekend. On Friday, my dad, the one and only Tony Wilson passed away, aged 89, at his home in Trinidad."
"Words don't do justice to the admiration I have for him as a human being or for his dedication to make his dream of getting the songs he wrote be heard.
"It wasn't until my mum dug out some old diaries of his from 1970 and '71 that I realised just how hard he had to work to achieve this dream."
"Trust me, it is truly staggering. The knock backs, the interviews, the touring, the radio shows, the meticulous documenting of record sales.
"All the pressures of what was a cut throat music industry in the 70s. It's all in those diaries."
Wilson was born in Trinidad and played in bands including The Flames, The Souvenirs, and The Corduroys before forming Hot Chocolate with his friend Errol Brown in the late 1960s.
They got their break in 1969, after sending a reggae version of John Lennon's Give Peace a Chance to its writer.
"Amazingly, a week later I got a call to say John Lennon approved it and wanted to sign the band to the Apple record label," Brown told BBC Breakfast in 2009. "And that's how we began."
The band forged a relationship with hit record producer Mickie Most, and wrote material for other acts, including Mary Hopkin, Julie Felix and Herman's Hermits.
But it was on their own that they excelled - with a multidimensional sound that incorporated strains of soul, rock, reggae and disco.
Q&A
What were Tony Wilson's contributions to music?
Tony Wilson co-founded Hot Chocolate and co-wrote popular hits like 'You Sexy Thing' and 'Emma,' contributing significantly to the band's success in the 1970s.
How did Hot Chocolate impact the music industry?
Hot Chocolate was the first predominantly black British group to achieve major chart success in America, paving the way for future artists.
When and where did Tony Wilson die?
Tony Wilson died on Friday at his home in Trinidad, as confirmed by his family on social media.
What did Tony Wilson's family say about his passing?
His daughter shared on Facebook that he left them today and emphasized that he left behind a lot of music for future generations.
