Sadly, as is often the case early in the year for some reason, another
soul artist has been taken from us. Tony Middleton died yesterday, reportedly from chronic kidney disease, aged 89. The sad news was relayed by his son Anthiony Middleton on his facebook page. Tributes were also paid by radio personality Bobby Jay and Carlton Jumel Smith.
The name may not trip off the tongues of the mainstream but he will be
remembered fondly by the Northern Soul scene for his Casino classic
"Paris Blues" (broken at the Blackpool Mecca) which was a huge sound in the mid 70s. Another record, "To The
Ends Of The Earth" also got later spins. Both released in 1966 and
originally designated as B sides, "Paris Blues" on Mala, which followed the released of "To The Ends Of The Earth" on MGM. He also had a song played on
the Belgian popcorn scene called "Drifting" from 1962 (United Artists). In later days the single "Spanish Maiden"
with Chuito And The Latin Uniques (1969) also got spins from the 80s.
He was born in Richmond, VA, and as a teen was an aspiring boxer but
turned his hand to singing and became the lead singer with Harlem
doo-wop group The Willows in 1952. They had a R&B hit with
"Church Bells Are Ringing", a song Middleton claims that he wrote
although writing credits were given to the group and to Melba label owner Morty Craft.
Between 1956 and 1976 Middleton released around 35 singles with none
registering on the R&B chart.
He also performed in several Broadway musicals, commercials, television,
film and the cabaret circuit and has performed with Burt Bacharach and
Quincy Jones. Middleton lived and performed on the jazz circuit in Paris and
Europe for a number of years.
In 1993 he headlined the first 6Ts Northern Soul Weekend along with Mary
Love and Willie Tee.
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