Tony Middleton………One of the most versatile performers in entertainment today, has been described as having “a rare ability” and a “vocal talent unsurpassed”.
Tony’s career is an interesting and diversified one, which spans many years of accomplishments. Although as a teenager, he was working towards becoming a “golden gloves” boxer, he changed course and became the lead singer and songwriter of a group called “The Willows”. They are most known for the crossover song, he wrote, “Church Bells May Ring”. They did “My Dear Dearest Darling”, “Dolores”, “White Cliffs of Dover” and many more, in addition to numerous other theaters across the country and internationally. Tony and the Willows have appeared on three PBS specials shows on Doo Wop and “Church Bells May Ring” is considered one of the 100 all-time great songs of that genre. In addition, The Willows were inducted into the Doo Wop Hall of Fame in 2011. Tony Middleton continues to do shows with the Willows. Recently, they were featured at Foxwoods, The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ & The Mohegan Sun Arena.
He has performed in several Broadway musicals, such as the lead in “Cabin in the Sky” and principle roles in “Purlie” and “Porgy and Bess”. He later lived and performed in Paris and Europe in the jazz circuit for a number of years. In Europe, Tony was the understudy for Sammy Davis in “Free and Easy” written by Harold Arlin and Johnny Mercer. He also performed in concert at the City Center and Wolf Trap with the Alvin Ailey Dancers singing the “Mary Lou Williams’ Mass”, and was one of the headliners at Lincoln Center for the 55th Birthday Tribute to the late Charlie Parker. Besides Broadway, Tony’s career has included commercials, television, film and the cabaret circuit here and abroad. Tony is a member of SAG, AFTRA and EQUITY.
In the past, as a soloist, he has performed and is known by many world-class performers. Tony has performed with and the music of Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, and Cy Coleman. His act has headlined at the Apollo along with Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Big Mabel, and Slappy White. He has sung with Cissy Houston, Nell Carter and Della Reese. He Recorded “Don’t Ever Leave Me” written & produced by Burt Bacharach, which received a Grammy Nomination
Tony is also working with and recording new music with Philip Springer, who wrote “Santa Baby” for a possible CD or a Broadway show. They have received some notoriety with a song, “Headed Home”, written by Senator Orrin Hatch and Philip Springer as a tribute to Teddy Kennedy. Tony recorded this song and was greatly appreciated by Teddy. This song can still be heard on CNN regarding Orin Hatch/Philip Springer.
Enjoying both film and TV, Tony is most fulfilled when his is singing and interpreting music in his unique jazz style. His big voice is sometimes compared to Joe Williams, Arthur Prysock, Lou Rauls and Ray Charles and yet, his range is more complex with his deep and sultry tones. Currently, as a jazz soloist, Tony has been sought after, singing in various major rooms in NYC. He performed at Smalls in NYC for a 4-month run, The St. Regis Hotel, Palio, Rue 57, The Blue Note, The Iridium on Big Band Tuesdays, 5 years at Opia, Swing 46, Le Cirque & New Year’s Eve 2013-14-15 @ The 21 Club. Tony’s done major Jazz Shows yearly @ Kitano, along with a Sunday Jazz Brunch @ The Kitano for 13th years. In addition, Tony was in residence at Minton’s Playhouse in 2018 and performed monthly @ The Roxy Hotel until Covid 19. In November 2019 Tony did a 5-day tour in Barcelona, Spain
Over the years, Tony
Middleton has worked with many legendary musicians. The list includes:
Mary Lou Williams, Ellis Larkins, Hank Jones, Robert Banks, Tommy C. James, Bucky Pizzarelli,
Clark Terry, “Zoot” Sims, Yank Lawson, Bob Haggart, Bernard Purdie & Jackie Williams to name a few.
Tony Middleton sings with real sincerity with every word he sings. This voice is truly remarkable with an extensive range and limitless creativity. His exciting voice and warmth has endeared him to thousands of club-goers in the United States and Europe. Tony can be edgy or soft, amusing or seductive. Tony sings with power, feeling and a sureness that only great talents have.
He’s the man who can do it all……………… TONY MIDDLETON
Artist website: http://www.tonymiddletonmusic.com/