AceShowbiz - The music world mourns the loss of Tony Wilson, the bassist, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic 1970s British funk and soul group Hot Chocolate. Wilson passed away on April 24 at the age of 89 in his native Trinidad, according to a statement from his family. No cause of death was disclosed at the time of the announcement.

Wilson was renowned for co-writing some of Hot Chocolate’s most memorable hits, including the timeless funk anthem “You Sexy Thing” and the heartfelt ballad “Emma.” His contributions helped shape the sound of British soul music during the 1970s, and his work remains influential decades later.

The news of Wilson’s passing was shared by his daughter on Facebook, who reflected on his spiritual journey near the end of his life. She wrote, “He left a lot of music behind... forever and ever. I am thankful that on Friday 17th during our conscious talk time he was led to the Lord with understanding. Some mornings later he asked for prayers. He said that he was leaving. The peace that I have is knowing that his soul escaped. He is in and at peace. That is the peace I also have. I give God thanks and praise.” She also posed a poignant question about eternity, underscoring the seriousness of life’s final decisions.

Wilson’s son, Danny Wilson, also paid tribute, emphasizing the musician’s dedication and perseverance. He shared insights from old diaries his mother discovered from 1970 and 1971, which revealed the intense effort Wilson invested in making his musical dreams a reality. Danny wrote, “Words don't do justice to the admiration I have for him as a human being or for his dedication to make his dream of getting the songs he wrote be heard. It wasn't until my mum dug out some old diaries of his from 1970 and '71 that I realised just how hard he had to work to achieve this dream. Trust me, it is truly staggering. The knock backs, the interviews, the touring, the radio shows, the meticulous documenting of record sales. All the pressures of what was a cut throat music industry in the 70s. It's all in those diaries.”

Born Anthony Wilson on October 8, 1936, in Trinidad, he began his musical journey early, performing in various bands during his teenage years. Before forming Hot Chocolate, he made a name for himself as a songwriter, penning tracks for notable British pop and folk artists such as Herman's Hermits with “Bet Yer Life I Do,” Julie Felix’s “Heaven Is Here,” and Mary Hopkin’s “Think About Your Children.”

Wilson’s life took a pivotal turn in the late 1960s when he met British-Jamaican singer-songwriter Errol Brown. Together, they founded the British soul-funk group Hot Chocolate in 1968. The group broke new ground as the first predominantly Black British band to achieve major chart success in the United States. Their debut album, Cicero Park, released in 1974, blended funk, soul, folk, and proto-disco influences. It featured tracks such as the title song “Cicero Park,” the ballads “A Love Like Yours” and “Emma,” as well as danceable jams like “Disco Queen,” “Funky Rock 'n' Roll,” and “Bump and Dilly Down.”

Hot Chocolate’s breakthrough came with their 1975 hit “You Sexy Thing,” co-written by Wilson. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, narrowly missing the top spot due to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Its infectious rhythm, memorable vocal hook, and funky percussion have made it a lasting staple in popular culture. The track experienced a revival when featured in the 1997 film The Full Monty during a memorable male striptease scene. It also appeared in other films, including Boogie Nights, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, and Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, among others.

According to the BBC, starting with their 1970 debut single “Love Is Life,” which reached No. 6 on the UK charts, Hot Chocolate achieved at least one hit each year through 1984, becoming the first UK group to chart hits for 15 consecutive years. Other notable Hot Chocolate singles include “Emma” and “Disco Queen,” which reached No. 8 and No. 28 respectively on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1975. The Cicero Park album peaked at No. 55 on the Billboard 200, while the self-titled album Hot Chocolate climbed to No. 41.

Following the success of “You Sexy Thing,” Wilson left Hot Chocolate to pursue a solo career. He released three albums: I Like Your Style (1976), Catch One (1979), and Walking the Highwire (1988). However, none reached the commercial heights of his work with the group.

While Errol Brown and Hot Chocolate continued to produce hits with various lineups, Wilson stepped back from releasing new music. Nevertheless, he contributed the title track for Bill Haley and the Comets’ final album, Everyone Can Rock and Roll, released in 1979, demonstrating his ongoing influence in the music industry.

Wilson’s legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of Hot Chocolate’s music, especially “You Sexy Thing,” which remains a beloved classic decades after its release.

Fans and music lovers can listen to “You Sexy Thing” to celebrate the enduring talent of Tony Wilson and the indelible mark he left on the world of funk and soul music.