Click on each photo to enlarge:

Click on each photo to enlarge.

By: Katherine Massopust & Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – The Amboy Guardian sat down with Renaissance musical artist, songwriter and producer, Toney Lee who recently has taken up residence in Perth Amboy

Amboy Guardian: Where were you born?

Toney Lee: I was born in Brooklyn, NY,

and now I am, “Celebrating my sixth decade and loving it!”

AG: Where did you grow up?

TL: I grew up in Brooklyn and sang with my family at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church.  My first beginnings were being a soloist in the church choir. We are a musical family with many great gifts and talents.

AG: What got you interested in music?

TL: My grandfather had a jazz band called: John English & His Society Orchestra during the 40’s through the 60’s. Mr. English was originally the drummer and the musical conductor. The band had revolving members that totaled between 11-12 members at any time.  Members of my grandfather’s band would visit often, which exposed me to music at a young age.

My brother Arnie Love, a recording artist, had a record in the ‘80’s “I’m Out of Your Life.” The song was #1 in London in 1985. He has been an inspiration to me as an artist all my life.

When I was 13, my mom heard me sing. I was singing in my room and her reply was, “You can sing!” That’s all I needed. She gave me confidence!

I went to Thomas Jefferson High School and sang in the choir there. I won the trophy for being the best vocalist in Thomas Jefferson High School’s music program that year. The plaque is currently present in the music room.

AG: Who were your mentors and heroes?

TL: (Heroes) Sam Cook, Marvin Gaye, The O’Jay’s, The Temptations. I’ve seen them all live (except Sam Cook). I loved Soul Train! I watched it every Saturday morning and wanted to be on Soul Train.

(Mentors) Mr. Nance, the manager of the group called Penetration, was my very first manager. His son Aaron, my good friend and band member introduced the group to Mr. Nance. During that time, we were the best acapella vocal group (5 members) in Brooklyn. We sang hits of the day. It was during this time that I had my first introduction into song writing and recording.

AG: What do you consider was your “big break”?

TL: I was working at American Express and met Nicky Braddy. Nicky Braddy then introduced me to producer Eric Matthew. Eric Matthew was my first producer, together we wrote and recorded “Reach Up” sung by yours truly, Toney Lee. We also wrote and recorded “You Ain’t Really Down,” sung by vocal group Status IV for Radar Records.

AG: How did you discover Status IV?

TL: It came by way of family. My cousin Derek Wyche was in the group called Status IV and always asked me to come and listen to them. I finally did.  I went to Brooklyn. In the room there were four guys with a mural of the most beautiful women in the world. (They said it was their inspiration) They sang 10 songs in a row and I was impressed. I called Eric up and introduced him to the group. Together we wrote  “You Ain’t Really Down” that went on to become a classic dance song over the past three decades.  So much so, there’s a street named after it in Chicago.

AG: What is your vocal range?

TL: Baritone to Second Tenor Lead

AG: What instruments do you play?

TL: Percussions: drums, bongos, congas.

AG: What companies are you signed with?

TL: TSRI Music Ministry Media LLC which is my own label and music media company. Five years ago through TSRI, and producer Paul Simpson, I met Vincent Simonelli. He is a world renowned DJ. We do management and production projects together. We have the same musical type background. The musical group Toney Lee & Status IV – we merged together for the current project, “Don’t Stop Keep Rising.”

AG: What inspires your music?

TL: Spirituality – to be able to inspire people and their dreams, to help them with life and upward mobility – to inspire people to do great things. Song writing is a gift. It comes in many forms. It comes from melodies in my mind at any time. As a songwriter, ideas come from everywhere.

AG: What contemporary singers or bands do you feel are the most talented?

TL: Bruno Mars. There are a lot of singers. Maroon 5, Anita Baker, Whitney Huston, Karen Carpenter. I’m a big jazz fan. Billy Holiday – They are incredible singers. Great music goes beyond time.

AG: What do you attribute to your success?

TL: My love for what I do. Music is in my DNA. I’m passionate. First, I enjoy it. I’m thankful for the gift God has given me, and the passion to share my musical gifts with the world.

AG: Do any of your children or grandchildren like music?

TL: My grandson Patrick likes rap. My daughters Tanisha and Karina love music.

AG: What do you feel the importance of music is through in this pandemic?

TL: The world needs to be inspired and to have faith. We’ve been dealt a devastating blow. However, we will survive this. For me, music touches the heart and uplifts the heart. We need to hear music that touches on the truth. This is the first time in my life that I’ve seen humanity equalized. This virus has touched every corner of the world. Again, we will not only survive, but we will build a better world because of it.

AG: What are your present and future plans?

TL:  Presently I am promoting the new record, “Don’t Stop Keep Rising,” and writing poetry and lyrical stories. Future projects include producing and promoting my concert series called, “Love, Joy and Inspiration III.” This project will include various artist and musical genres from the tri-state area. Don’t Stop – Keep Rising, the new single was number one in England as of January 2020.

AG: If you were not a musician, what profession would you do?

TL: A men’s stylist.  Working with men’s clothing. I design men’s clothing. My father was always a sharp dresser and my mother was a trendy designer. I worked in Bloomingdales, Sym’s, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and JCPenny’s in the Men’s Department as a suit stylist and display artist. As a personal stylist, I assisted clients in choosing outfits that would show them in their best light. I like to see people look their best.

AG: What advice do you have for budding musicians?

TL: Do the research in the type of music you’re interested in that bests suits you. If it’s rap, jazz, pop or whatever suits you, find out where it came from, its beginnings and origins. It will give you the background to where you want to go musically.

As an artist I’ve researched music from the start. I’ve watched Ken Burn’s, History of Jazz about 10 times. I heard the music of Louis B. Armstrong and many other artists. In my research, Quincy Jones said: “Great movies comes from a great story. Great records come from great songs.”

I’ve been able to collaborate with great people. I love creating – taking nothing and making something out of it and I’m thankful for that.

Toney who moved to Perth Amboy 3 months ago stated he feels it’s great to be in Perth Amboy. “Being here has been a pleasant experience.” Toney has been to schools to talk to students about their music aspirations. He hopes to share his music with the residents of Perth Amboy when the concert series resumes.

In the future you can go to www.talkingwithtoney.com for more information. Please contact Toney Lee for bookings at TGQ.665@gmail.com