Tony Wilson's Passing
Tony Wilson, the bassist, songwriter, and co-founder of the soul band Hot Chocolate, has passed away at the age of 89.
Alongside frontman Errol Brown, Wilson co-wrote iconic hits such as "You Sexy Thing" and "Emma," which propelled the band to chart-topping success in the 1970s before Wilson departed to pursue a solo career.
Hot Chocolate was also notable for being the first predominantly black British group to achieve significant chart success in the United States.
Wilson died on Friday at his residence in Trinidad, as confirmed by his family 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."
Early Life and Career
Born in Trinidad, Wilson played in several bands including The Flames, The Souvenirs, and The Corduroys before forming Hot Chocolate with his friend Errol Brown in the late 1960s.
The band gained their breakthrough in 1969 after sending a reggae rendition of John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" to Lennon himself.
"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."
Hot Chocolate developed a working relationship with renowned producer Mickie Most and wrote songs for other artists such as Mary Hopkin, Julie Felix, and Herman's Hermits.
However, their greatest success came from their own recordings, which featured a diverse sound blending soul, rock, reggae, and disco.
Their debut single, "Love is Life," reached number six in 1970, and the band achieved at least one hit annually until 1984, making Hot Chocolate the first UK group to have a hit for 15 consecutive years.
"Emma" became their first major hit in the United States in 1975, a year after charting in the UK. Later that year, "You Sexy Thing" marked the pinnacle of their career.
The track achieved platinum status in the UK and spent several weeks in the US top 10. It re-entered the charts in 1997 following its inclusion in the film The Full Monty.
Solo Career and Later Years
Wilson left Hot Chocolate shortly after to focus on his solo career, which had begun with several singles for Decca Records in the 1960s.
Despite releasing two albums, I Like Your Style (1976) and Catch One (1979), neither achieved significant chart success.
In 1983, he released the track "Hangin' Out In Space," which anticipated the electro-soul movement. Following the 1988 compilation Sweet 'N' Soulful – The Tony Wilson Story, he ceased releasing new music.
Wilson's children continued to share updates about him on social media, including a post celebrating his 88th birthday in 2024.
Meanwhile, Errol Brown continued to find success with Hot Chocolate, producing hits such as "Every 1's A Winner" and "So You Win Again."
In 1998, Brown told the Independent that he had "lost touch" with Wilson but added, "However, I will always be grateful to him for planting the seed and helping me find myself."
When Brown passed away in 2015, Wilson paid tribute on Facebook, writing:
"Rest in peace Errol Brown. Heartfelt condolences to your family, friends, and all fans."
Following the announcement of Wilson's death, his Facebook page was flooded with tributes.
No cause of death has been disclosed.
