Inside MusiCast 'Pick Of The Day': Tony Newton (Artist)
Inside MusiCast 'Pick Of The Day': Tony Newton (Artist). Selected by Kim Reilly
Tony Newton, is a legendary Bass Player "Funk Brothers", Producer, Multi Instrumentalist, Key Note Speaker, Author of 15 books and so on. Not too long ago, the world of music found a revelation in Tony Newton, a virtuoso hailing from the historic city of Detroit, Michigan. At the tender age of 7 years, his passion for music drew him closer to the piano. Although Tony is highly adept in playing keyboards, there is no denying the fact that he has carved out quite a history for himself in the field of electric bass.
Tony Newton officially launched his bass guitar career along with the likes of esteemed blues musicians, such as John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker and Little Walter then moving on quickly to Motown. Tony has sealed a permanent berth for himself in the souls and minds of music lovers not only across the USA but also in different parts of the world by recording on over 100 hit recordings with innumerable world-renowned artists, including The Funk Bros., Tony Williams Lifetime, Smokey Robinson (MD), Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Supremes, Allan Holdsworth, Gary Moore's G-Force, Robbie Krieger of the Doors, Aretha Franklin, Mamas & Papas, Chuck Berry,& Little Richard, to name a few. Tony currently pursues his career of Rock Funk Fusion as his passion to Empower Through Music.
When I arrived at Motown in 1963, Tony Newton was already there as the bass player for the Miracles. He was even there before Earl Van Dyke or Uriel Jones. Tony and I were two of the first musicians (now still living) to tour Europe with Motown acts. He was and still is one of the best bass players that ever did it. Later, when I became a touring artist, Tony joined me as the bass player. I was very familiar with his skills, but during a sound check, Tony sat at the piano and performed a sensational Beethoven Symphony. I didn\’t know the range of his ability and was totally surprised at his versatility. When I questioned him about his piano \”training\”, he casually smiled and said \”Oh, I taught myself to play the piano\”. When I recall the production of the documentary \”Standing in the Shadows of Motown\”, it\’s difficult to believe Tony was not considered as the bass player. In my opinion, he would have added more credibility and history of the involved musicians. I say here and now, in my estimation, based on the facts, Tony Newton is a Funk Brother – Jack Ashford Legendary Motown Funk Brother and Grammy Winner.
– Kim Reilly, IMC Correspondent