Tony Wilson

Anthony Nathaniel Wilson (8 October 1936 – 24 April 2026) was a Trinidad and Tobago vocalist, bass guitarist, and songwriter, best known for his work with soul and funk band Hot Chocolate. He co-wrote the Hot Chocolate hits "Love Is Life", "Brother Louie", "Emma", and "You Sexy Thing".

Early life and career Wilson was born in Port of Spain, on 8 October 1936, to Gladys and Wilfred Wilson. He was educated at Tranquillity Boys School, and Belmont Secondary School and was involved with music from the age of 16. In 1963 he recorded a cover version of "How Many Teardrops" by Lou Christie with The Souvenirs, which was released on Decca Records.

Wilson was a member of the group Soul Brothers, who released three singles. Wilson worked as a songwriter in the 1960s, and wrote songs such as "Bet Yer Life I Do" (Herman's Hermits), "Heaven Is Here" (Julie Felix), and "Think About Your Children" (Mary Hopkin). Wilson met Errol Brown in the late 1960s, as Brown lived in the flat opposite to him. They soon formed Hot Chocolate.

Hot Chocolate

Wilson was a founding member of Hot Chocolate in 1968, and left the band in 1975. Wilson is credited with persuading Hot Chocolate's lead singer Errol Brown to commit his songwriting ideas to paper. A 1966 Fender Jazz Bass owned by Wilson was brought into The Repair Shop. It had a missing logo, a broken nut, worn out frets, missing pickup and bridge covers, and was partially missing paint.

Wilson died on 24 April 2026, at the age of 89 at his Trinidad home.

Discography Selected Hot Chocolate songs (See full discography at Hot Chocolate discography) "Give Peace a Chance" (1969) "Love Is Life" (1970) "You Could Have Been a Lady" (1971) "Brother Louie" (1973) "Emma" (1974) "You Sexy Thing" (1975)