Jazz Musician, Vocalist & Composer. A keyboardist, he was a member of the 1970s R&B/Jazz ensemble The Blackbirds. They are remembered for the Top 10 hit "Walking In Rhythm" (1975). He was acquainted with the piano at the age of five and by the age of eight, he added the cello and saxophone to his talents. During his years at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, he acquired experience as a performer and following graduation, he studied at Howard University from where he received his degrees in Composition and Jazz Studies. The Blackbirds achieved an additional Top 20 hit with "Happy Music" (1976). Beginning in the 1980s, Toney led his own band with whom he recorded nearly one dozen albums. As a sideman, he worked with Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, Aretha Franklin and Sonny Stitt. While with The Blackbirds, he earned two Grammy Award nominations. He died from cancer.
Jazz Musician, Vocalist & Composer. A keyboardist, he was a member of the 1970s R&B/Jazz ensemble The Blackbirds. They are remembered for the Top 10 hit "Walking In Rhythm" (1975). He was acquainted with the piano at the age of five and by the age of eight, he added the cello and saxophone to his talents. During his years at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, he acquired experience as a performer and following graduation, he studied at Howard University from where he received his degrees in Composition and Jazz Studies. The Blackbirds achieved an additional Top 20 hit with "Happy Music" (1976). Beginning in the 1980s, Toney led his own band with whom he recorded nearly one dozen albums. As a sideman, he worked with Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, Aretha Franklin and Sonny Stitt. While with The Blackbirds, he earned two Grammy Award nominations. He died from cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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