Anthony Hamilton’s music career has its beginnings in the gospel choir at church he used to sing in since he was 10 years old. Having signed with label Uptown Recordsin 1993, Hamilton moved to New York to pursue music. He was a backup singer on tour for artist D’Angelo’s album “Voodoo” and subsequently collaborated with southern rap group Nappy Roots on albums “Watermelon, Chicken, and Grits,” “Wooden Leather,” and “The Humdinger.” The collaboration on single “Po’ Folks” won them a Grammy nomination for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” in 2003.
Hamilton signed with label So So Def Imprint by Jermaine Dupri and came out with an independent album called “Comin’ From Where I’m From” in 2003. The album went platinum and features the single “Charlene.” His sophomore album, entitled “Ain’t Nobody Worryin” was released in 2005 with successful single “Can’t Let Go” and the album became certified gold.
Hamilton has collaborated with numerous R&B artists, even snagging a duet for "Buon Natale" with Nat King Cole on his holiday album. In 2007, Hamilton had a cameo role as a singer in the film “American Gangster” and also contributed to the soundtrack. He sang “Freedom” with Elayna Boynton on the soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino film “Django Unchained” in 2012.
The band made their debut in 1988, releasing “Who?” on the label, Wing, making a big splash in the charts. The album spawned the hit singles, “Little Walter,” “Born Not To Know,” “For the Love of You” and “Baby Doll,” all top ten R&B singles. The album itself peaked at number 69 in the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold thereafter.
Success was set to continue for the band, with their sophomore release, “The Revival” in 1990 reaching Platinum certification, spawning several number one hits in the R&B charts. “It Never Rains in Southern California,” “Feels Good,” “The Blues” and “Whatever You Want” all reached the top spot, with “Feels Good” also breaking into the mainstream chart’s top ten.
With no sign of slowing down, Tony! Toni! Toné! had created a double-Platinum selling album with 1993’s “Sons of Soul,” featuring three hit singles that broke into the Billboard Hot 100 top ten. Their fourth album arrived in 1996, “House of Music,” which whilst it did not provide any particularly strong singles, it still reached Platinum certification and reached the number ten spot in the R&B charts.
Following their fourth release, the members embarked on several solo endeavours, with Raphael Saadiq achieving some success both as a solo artist and as a record producer, creating hits for D’Angelo, The Roots amongst others. D’wayne Wiggins also embarked on a solo career and became the band leader for Comedy Central’s weekly show, “Weekends at the D.L.”
In 2003, the members of Tony! Toni! Toné! were invited to appear on Alicia Keys’ album, “The Diary of Alicia Keys,” prompting a reunion of sorts which has seen them perform intermittently ever since. The lineup originally consisted of brothers Dwayne Wiggins (lead vocals/guitar), Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Ray Wiggins, lead vocals/bass) and cousin Timothy Christian Riley (drums//keyboards), although Amar Khalil took over lead vocal duties in 1998.
Anthony Hamilton has one of the most soulful and angelic voices in the R&B genre and seeing one of his live performances is almost like a religious experience.
During his performances he is usually backed by a myriad of talented musicians and sometimes even a full orchestra. There are horns, woodwinds, cellos, and violins that gracefully play atmospheric warm tones creating an emotive soundscape for Anthony Hamilton to belt out his soulful voice that makes the audience raise their hands and sway to the music. When an orchestra backs Anthony Hamilton, the orchestra usually crescendos up to the apex of an emotive experience and Anthony Hamilton’s voice rises above the loud sound of the orchestra to demonstrate his passion and vocal force.
During more traditional performances Anthony Hamilton tours with a backing band consisting of a keyboarder, a drummer, a guitarist, a bass player, and several backup singers. The backup singers act as a choir singing the soulful harmonies of the music while Anthony Hamilton acts as a religious focal point preaching his gospel with his soulful, charismatic voice. The keyboard player performs on a keyboard that has a smooth bell like sound and plays very vibrant jazz like chords laying down a smooth vibe. Anthony Hamilton has a wide vocal range, jumping up and down octaves hitting the most difficult notes imaginable, and soulfully breaking into a melisma that will have everyone in awe.
Anthony Hamilton has a great stage presence dressing in suave clothing and a fashionable fedora. He gracefully struts around the stage and dances in the smoothest way that will have the audience fully engaged. To hear Anthony Hamilton’s deep, rich voice grace the presence of your bare ear in a live setting is one of the most inspirational experiences that music has to offer.
Tony Toni Tone is one of my most favorite bands of all times! I grew up listening to them. To see them in the Bay, truly even more so of a treat. However, Eventhough I enjoyed the concert, I was very disappointed that Raphael Sadiq was not performing with the group the night of the concert. This was a let down! ....however the remaining members put on a good show! The concert made for a great night!