Music Lovers ... blast my music in their ears, feel it in their bones and become moved in their hearts to love one another deeply".....You give me purpose!"
Cutting through the media "spin"
machine to find the real truth.
Musica
The following artists represent my music and/or vocal work on exclusively recorded CD's released by the labels 2001-2006:
50 Cent
Aaliyah
Al Jarreau
Alicia Keys
Angie Stone
Anita Baker
Ashanti
Avant
Avril Lavigne
B2K
Beyonce
Celine Dion
Christina Aguilera
Clay Aiken
Craig David
Deborah Cox
Destiny's Child
Dwele
Eminem
Eve
Fantasia
Gretchen Wilson
Gwen Stefani
Heather Headley
India Arie
Jaheim
Janet Jackson
Jay Z
Jennifer Lopez
Jill Scott
John Legend
John Mayer
Joss Stone
Justin Timberlake
Kanye West
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Roland
Kem
Kirk Franklin
LL Cool J
Ludacris
Luther Van Dross
Mariah Carey
Mario
Maroon 5
Mary J. Blige
Mary Mary
Michael McDonald
Missy Elliot
Monica
Murphy Lee
Musiq
Natalie Cole
Nelly /Lloyd Banks
Outkast
Pink
Prince
Ruben Stoddard
Seal
Sean Paul
Smokie Norful
Snoop Dogg
Stevie Wonder
Sting
The Black Eyed Peas
Usher
The Pussycat Dolls
Whitney Houston
Will Smith
Yolanda Adams
Lead and Background overdub contributions to many old school classics for digital broadcast media:
My vocals and added tracks are mixed in the remastering process so if you "Listen" carefully and noticed a "phat-er sound" than the original- it's me -"dig da bass and strings".
I often embedded my name within the phonics or at times literally within the lyrical content itself.
Locations:
"Crazy in Love" -Beyonce
"Baby Boy" -Sean Paul (rap segment)
"Show me" -Jill Scott
"Ghetto Musick" -Outkast
"Time to
Party" -Craig David
"Cherry Pie"-Jennifer Lopez
Contributed original singles(trk) and digitally added vocal/ midi-instrumental tracks to remasters of earlier CD releases in the following:
Artist
Title
Boney James
Ride (CD)
Bowling for Soup
"Girl All the Bad Guys Want" (trk)
Brandy
The Best of (CD)
Britney Spears
In The Zone (CD) "My Perogative" -(trk)
"Slave 4 You" (trk) "Toxic" (trk)
Carlos Santana
Shaman (remaster)
D'Angelo
Brown Sugar (remaster)
Dave Koz
The Dance (remaster)
Dido
"White Flag" (trk)
Eric Sermon
"React" (trk)
Fat Joe
"Lean Back" (trk)
Fountains of Wanye
"Stacy's Mom" (trk)
Gnarls Barkley
"Crazy" (trk)
Good Charlotte
Lifestyles o/Rich & Famous (CD)
Green Day
"American Idiot" (trk)
Incognito
Into the Future (remaster)
Jason Mraz
"Remedy" (trk)
"You and I Both" (trk)
Jet
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" (trk)
"Cold Hearted B*tch" (trk)
J Kwon
"Tipsy" (trk)
Joe
"I Wanna Know" (trk)
Kelis
"Milkshake" (trk)
Kylie Minogue
"Can't Get You Out of My Head" (trk)
Lil Jon / Eastside Boiz
"Get Low" (trk)
Linkin' Park
"Numb" (trk)
Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony (remaster)
Mario Winans
"I Don't Wanna Know" (trk)
Martha Wash
Martha Wash (remaster)
Matchbox Twenty
"Unwell" (trk)
Micheal Jackson
Thriller -special edition CD Thriller 25th Anniv. (CD)
Invincible (major contributor CD)
Nappy Roots
Po' Folks (trk)
Nas
"I Can' (trk) "Made You Look" (trk)
"One Mic" (trk) "Thuz Mansion" (trk)
Phylis Hyman
The Ultimate Phylis Hyman (remaster)
Rihanna
"Don't Stop the Music" (trk)
"Umbrella" (trk)
Sade
Lover's Rock (remaster)
The Best of Sade (remaster)
Simple Plan
"Perfect" (trk)
Sylvester
Living Proof -Live (remaster)
Teena Marie
Greatest Hits (remaster)
The Roots
"Break You Off" (v-trk)
"Sacrifice" (v-trk)
"The Seed 2.0" (v-trk)
"Thought at Work" (contributor)
TLC
Number 1's (remaster)
Toni Braxton
The Heat (remaster)
Toni Braxton (remaster)
Trapt
"Headstrong" (trk)
Truth Hurts
"So Addictive" (trk)
U2
"Vertigo" (trk)
Vanilla Sky
"Pon De Replay" (trk)
Contributed to many others in preparation for iTunes launch and the Digital Transition in Music and Media 2009. "This is Tony Ya'll" (First Named on Living Proof-remaster track 10 band shoutouts). To"Eric Robinson on piano...": You inspired me with those keyboard skills in a major way! Now that's "Chuuurch!" Hopefully I've added to your flava in the remaster of the "live" performance. A dream fulfilled. Sylvester "RIP", your energy is missed. Thank you for presenting to the world a vocal gift in the person of Martha Wash - A Pure Vocal Diva.
Film
My music appears in such features as:
Men In Black 2
Brown Sugar
Idyllwild
Love Actually
8 Mile
Barbershop
Beauty Shop
Shrek
Dreamgirls
Must Love Dogs
Bridget Jones' Diary 2
Bad Boys 2
You Got Served
Honey
50 Dates
Bring It On: All or Nothing
The Pacifier
Austin Powers:Goldmember
The Gospel
Hitch
Other movies I have yet to experience where music/creative directors chose to licensed these songs as part of their soundtracks to further their storylines-
"Very Cool" to urbanize your content and give this fresh "unknown" the opportunity expressed through your movie soundtracks.
I am surprised with every happenstance over the past eight years and express here, to all involved in the licensing process, my gratitude. As one in the sea of offers, you have looked beyond the notes and sounds to see the vision emoting from the lyric. This is the best validation I can receive. Wow! My goal was to record in high volume so there was no time to stop and do video treatment and pitches for each work. FYI. Today you can view videos featuring my songs as playback 2002-2005 (not sure whether this feature is functional yet). One day I hope feature all of them on one central site when my finances improve. They may be time expired at this pont in the Myspace videos system.
Televisione
Music/Vocal work TV Program Themes:
"The Ellen Show" theme- "Ellen, get up..."
"So you Think You Can Dance"(Bass vocal)
"The Apprentice"(all vocals/music
arrangement) "Money,Money,Money"
"Girlfriends"(added tracks/ad libs to Angie Stone)
"One on One" theme- backing vocals/spoken hype
"Half and Half"- Original theme
"America's Next Top Model"-premier version "You wanna be on top?"
"The Parkers"-(added vocal chorus and ad-libs ie."K-uute!","that's boring" and end laugh effect)
"BET:Sunday Best"-premier season theme "Looking for You"
Monk-theme "Jungle out there"
Frasier-overdubbed vocal- two versions ending w/ "Goodnight Seatle" and "Egg all over my face" (syndication)
Commercials:
Budweiser- solo vocal "I always feel like somebody's watching me"
"Heineken-Light"
TIAA CREF- West Side Story solo rendition"Somewhere"
AREVA- solo vocal "Funkytown"
Carnival Cruise Lines- "Somewhere beyond the sea..."
Banana Republic- original lyric/solo "You Never Know"
Geico- original lyric/solo "Caveman in Airport"
Popeyes- "Whats your Flava?"
Sandals Cruise Lines- (current rotation) "The Time of My Life"
Hennessy
At&T-(current rotation) original lyric/solo-"I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you..."
Contributor to the inital creative development process of American Idol for American television broadcast:
I conceptualized the design aesthetic, network placement and created the music content for the first three American Idol Season Winners CD releases:
Kelly Clarkson- "Thankful" "Breakaway"
Ruben Studdard- "Soulful"
Fantasia Barrino- "Free Yourself"
Additionally Season Two First Runner-up:
Clay Aikens- "Measure of a Man"
Riddle me this: How does my posted age (91) relate with each of the following; American Idol So You Think You Can Dance? Hint: A Micheal Jackson Hit?
Libri
Thinking of writing a book about my experiences in education and how this music thing came about. It has taken many years of concerted effort to develop as an artist. A literary soundtrack reflecting the culture of today as told through my lyrics is being considered...but just a thought for now!
Seek Truth beyond
the "Spin"
Eroi
These are the pioneers who have "caught my musical ear" over the years and with whom I draw continued inspiration to excel in the craft:
Clive Davis
Quincy Jones
Burt Bacharat/Hal Davis
David Foster
Dianne Warren
Stevie Wonder
Ashford & Simpson
Richard Smallwood
Jack Segal (RIP)
Luther Van Dross (RIP)
The "Class of '89" experiences their 20th Reunion this year. Reflections of you proved to be a bountiful resource for several song lyrics within my "body of work." As promised:
"I have never forgotten you"
"Your fearless striving for excellence paralleled by 'getting the party started' continues to live on"
"Dance hits = Your Flava!"
"I believe in your special capacity to change the world"
Real Talk!
Music Lovers who blast my music in their ears, feel the beat in their bones and are moved within their hearts to love one another deeply...
Thank you for listening albeit sight unseen and showing interest in knowing the truth
Music Industry's Best Kept Trade Secret of the New Millenium.
Educator/Artist/Producer/Singer/Songwriter/Composer/Arranger First recordings released 2001-2007 and represented in the field by many of the top performing artists of the day. Can you believe it? Currently looking to up profile in the industry since no one else will take the initiative to acknowledge or promote me. :-( I am looking to use this space as a central site for those who represent my work in the marketplace worldwide since 2001 as well as provide insight into who I am artistically, independent of the manufactured images of the entertainment system at large. Personally, I thank each performing artist and label for accepting my CD projects sight unseen. More over, I express gratitude to the individual who has brokered this extensive body of work on my behalf. Whereas the primary focus centered on the music itself, it is time that the creative source join the party. Ya' heard me?
Seek Truth beyond the "Spin"
Until a resolve is reached with RIAA and a specific Playlist organization, I can only list titles for now. Seeking an alternative means of presenting my music where you may listen directly to personally selected tracks. Resouceful effort via search using the titles presented is the best approach for now. Complete title listings can be found within my blog history. Where is the RIAA when my interests have been infringed upon for the past eight years? Exploitation in the marketplace, apparent profit and no compensation to the originator to date for such a large volume of composition? ...Hmmm... Clearly real constitutional issues are not being properly addressed to the American court system. Cover-up?
I choose to no longer remain silent about my artistic accomplishments and future endeavors musically.
A montage of album covers released by the labels wherein each contains my recorded work in its entirety is presented here. To have one's artistic contributions discounted while being kept in the shadows is not an easy place to be as a new songwriter. Certain members sitting on the Board of Directors of ASCAP have taken liberty in naming themselves writing and producing credit on my work whereas I have been denied membership to the very organization that is collecting royalties for each product. Is this ethical common practice? In this space I am uncensored via direct access to those interested in the truth. I remain optimistic that someone with influence and integrity will read this profile, "React" and do what is "Justified" in this "Toxic" situation. Meanwhile... "these are my 'Confessions'".
Direct, unfiltered and authentically me. This is Tony Y'all and Tony is Music.
(2 min. cycle)
The Journey begins in the fall of 2001 with intial recording sessions embellishing (2000) releases with a "phatter" sound design and vocal backing via digital medium. In retrospect, my first project involved an impressive new artist Jill Scott - "Words and Sounds: Vol.1". It was hard to believe that my recording opportunity had been actualized. Most familiar with her tracks, I requested Jill and she responded in a most unusual and unique way- "Show me" lifted me that night when I was low in spirit. I had always longed to embellish this first CD release with a little of my style and musical flow.
The exclusive recording of Words and Sounds Vol.2: Beautifully Human set for delayed release (2004) immediately resulted with the end of the Vol.1 remastering experience in an extended recording set. This project was designed to further explore my own use of spoken word, melody and soulful music composition geared for an adult contemporary demographic. Moreover, I wanted to have a secure position in the success of her sophmore release. What better way to "prove my worth" to the music industry while defining what I can do. "Golden" (trk 3) from this effort served as the theme for the 2004 Golden Globe Awards. Someone was listening! Thank you Jill for allowing me to express my vision for her and do my creative thing "exclusively". Unforgettable generousity!
A continuation of my poetic expression and orchestral composition can further be heard in the exclusive Dreamworks 2002 release of"Floetic" launching Floetry into the mainstream.
In Remembrance:
Thank you Micheal Jackson for the opportunity to vocally record tracks on your Invincible project in 2001. Outside of being totally intimidated by your stature in music, you patiently encouraged, accepting additions I provided- namely; selective leads, original backing vocals and choral arrangements to your "work in progress". Your performance of "You Rock My World" on your CBS special is forever embedded in my heart and mind. Covering the "mic"...clever! The Number One's and Thriller 25th Anniversary -digital remaster projects are a testiment to how well studied I am of your body of work. A few lead and choral tweaks on "Man in the Mirror". Seamless! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your music legacy in these ways.(RIP)
CHART HISTORY 2001 - 2007
Each asterisk represents recorded sales for the CD where I have originated content charting within the Billboard top ten. The total accumulated sales for each year follows the chart listings.
Top 10 Selling Albums 2001
Rank
Title
Artist
Units Sold
1.
Hybrid Theory
Linkin' Park
4,812,852
2.
Hot Shot
Shaggy
4,507,568
3.
Celebrity
'N Sync
4,421,231
4.
A Day Without Rain
Enya
4,410,053
5.
Break the Cycle
Stain
4,242,507
6.
Songs in A Minor
Alicia Keys
4,102,482*
7.
Survivor
Destiny's Child
3,718,446*
8.
Weathered
Creed
3,581,344
9.
O' Brother Where Art Thou?/Soundtrack
Various Artists
3,460,852
10.
Now That's What I Call Music!6
Various Artists
3,133,462
*major contributor to the albums specified above. Total units sold = 7,820,928
Two CD's charted within the top ten in this intital year major labels released content I have originated. Each is indicated (*) following units sold. In addition, major vocal lead contributions to single tracks also charting in this year: Hybrid Theory-(Numb) and Celebrity-(Girlfriend) respectively (non-asterick). Each aforementioned track received a Grammy nomination in the subsequent year
Asterisked titles in the charts that follow (2002 - 2007) are exclusively recorded: music composition, lyric and vocals in its entirety by the aforementioned recording artist - Tony.
Any references stating otherwise is fabricated "spin"
Top 10 Selling Albums 2002
Rank
Title
Artist
Units Sold
1.
The Eminem Show
Eminem
7,807,925*
2.
Nellyville
Nelly
4,916,073*
3.
Let Go
Avril Lavigne
4,121,396*
4.
Home
Dixie Chicks
3,690,413
5.
8 Mile
Eminem
3,498,497*
6.
Missundaztood
Pink
3,144,947*
7.
Ashanti
Ashanti
3,099,216*
8.
Drive
Alan Jackson
3,054,736
9.
Up!
Shania Twain
2,909,499
10.
O' Brother, Where Art Thou/ Soundtrack
Various Artists
2,736,049
*subtotal of specified units sold = 26,588,054
Mi piacerebbe conoscere:
The professionals affiliated with my introduction into the music industry via listed projects are sources of inspiration to me and were selectively chosen for their musicality and/or known executive influence to administrate. Not much into the quantity of friends but more so its the quality of friends that matter to me, both personally and professionally. Clearly its who you know or who wants to know me...well perusing this profile and my music is a start
I am the playback on associated video tracks you have undoubtedly viewed via major media outlets released 2002-2006. Don't get it twisted...the artists look much better than I would have and I only wanted to provide my music/vocal flava whether composing originals in "one take" with Luther Vandross (RIP), "screaming Mimi" soprano in isolation --it saves time and money-- right Mariah?? (lol)... or originating new flows for the new millenium as shown in my sonic stylings of the Black Eyed Peas-"Elephunk" & "Monkey Business" and the Pussycat Dolls' first CD- "PCD". I strive to "work it" and bring "somethin' fresh "fo' yo' soul!".
The year 2003 denotes the impact digital downloads will have on traditional tracking methods of the past. A significant shift in how music is delivered and recognized results -Thanks to Nielsen SoundScan.
Top 10 Selling Albums 2003
Rank
Title
Artist
Units Sold
1.
Get Rich or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
6,535,809*
2.
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
5,137,468*
3.
Meteora
Linkin' Park
3,478,361
4.
Fallen
Evanescence
3,364,738
5.
SpeakerBoxx/LoveBelow
Outkast
3,089,849*
6.
Dangerously in Love
Beyonce
2,527,485*
7.
Chocolate Factory
R. Kelly
2,439,536*
8.
Metamorphosis
Hillary Duff
2,405,544
9.
Shock N Y'All
Toby Keith
2,324,437
10.
Rush of Blood to the Head
Coldplay
2,183,997
*subtotal of specified units sold = 19,730,147
I "sangs" as they say, from the top to the bottom whatever is needed. Titles are represented with consistent Grammy nominations and multiple music awards announced in each year 2002-2007.
"A solid melody will always rise to the top".
Given media exposure of the recordings, you have probably encountered my artistic voice and music compositional flava already.
View Body of Work Titles.
I am constantly surprised when I hear my musical efforts while in the stores, on the radio, TV or as a part of the soundtrack to a "cool" movie; To affect pop culture in this way is a new and fascinating thing for me. How a thought that begins in your mind in the solitude of a recording room can end up across the world setting
trends!
Totally Awesome!
The year 2004 commemorates the first year on-line music download statistics were tallied and included within the Billboard charts. A new category would be created for the Grammy Awards and digital media takes a giant step forward. I am honored that all the top ten sales for this year as outlined below are my compositions and recording performances. Is this history making? I hope so!
Top 10 Music Downloads 2004
Rank
Title
Artist
Units Sold
1.
"The Reason"
Hoobastank
379,839*
2.
"This Love"
Maroon 5
346,922*
3.
"Let Get It Started"
Black Eyed Peas
328,239*
4.
"Hey Ya!" (Radio Mix)
Outkast
324,848*
5.
"Yeah"
Usher
314,009*
6.
"She Will Be Loved"
Maroon 5
306,550*
7.
"1985"
Bowling for Soup
260,962*
8.
"Toxic"
Britney Spears
243,873*
9.
"Drop It Like Its Hot"
Snoop Dog
234,046*
10.
"Lose My Breath"
Destiny's Child
255,204*
*subtotal of downloads sold = 2,964,492
It is heartfelt when one's vision and effort becomes widely accepted by the world at large. Now... When does a Bro. get paid in this system? Its been over eight years without any monetary compensation nor proper credit as the songwriter/recording artist on any tangible CD to date... Is it collaboration when you are the sole contributer to lyric, melody and artistic direction at the inception of an entire CD project or is it just plain stealing when there is blatant improper crediting by the labels? ...Hmmmmm...
I believe God's truth and integrity prevails above all. In the interim, I continue to await proper compensation from the music industry and duly warranted American justice given copyright ownership law as the originator of the works listed. "Spin" does not connnote truth nor fact in reality. "Where is the Love?"
Gospel Works
Clearly, gospel roots extend into all genres of American music. This body of work is no exception. My Gospel compositions and vocal (lead/choral) performances are pulled from my experiential experience with several choirs with whom I have directed and accompanied. Divine intervention, prayer and fasting to deliver relevant content - a requisite. The end result of each project maintaining an extensively high Billboard chart status is a testiment to how God can use an "ordinary person" to deliver his message that can change lives and touch souls for the better. Hallelujah!
I am honored to have been His messenger in creating music and lyrics as well as all vocal recorded performances on the following Gospel CD projects:
“Not everything you create will be a masterpiece, but you get out there and you TRY and sometimes it really happens. The other times you’re just stretching your soul. ” …Dr. Maya Angelou
Thank you so much for being a friend to Dr. Maya Angelou’s Tribute Page in Her Honor!
Contributed original singles(trk) and digitally added vocal/ midi-instrumental tracks to remasters of earlier CD releases in the following:
Music/Vocal work
In Remembrance:
