TONY WILSON AND THE GODFATHER OF SOUL BAND - THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO THE GODFATHER OF SOUL

Tony Wilson (Endorsed as the YOUNG JAMES BROWN by the Godfather of Soul himself), a Chicago native, has entertainment in his blood. Since a teen, Tony has been performing and electrifying audiences with his own style, showmanship, charisma and especially, his dance moves. In fact, he was so amazing during his shows, he was often called upon to entertain as other headliners...such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and of course, James Brown.

In his 20’s, Tony realized that he had an excellent future as a performer, and began entering contests such as the Apollo, and other venues. Tony was actually crowned the Best Michael Jackson Entertainer, and asked to be on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, took an interest and liking to Tony, and today, Tony continues to look up to Joe Jackson as a mentor and friend. From that infamous day on Oprah, Tony’s life changed. Soon, major entertainers such as James Brown himself, were calling on him for movie roles, to be stand-in, or to even back them with his band. James Brown saw Tony perform, and was so impressed with his unique style and showmanship, he asked Tony to be in Tony Scott's Internet-only short film "Beat the Devil”. Additionally, at James Brown's behest, Tony was personally selected by James Brown to portray the Young James Brown in "Funk Blast" movie ride that premiered in Seattle that same year.

But James Brown was not the only celebrity seeking Tony’s talent; in fact, Tony was not only making a reputation for himself as a versatile singer who could harmonize with the best and belt out anything from Nat King Cole, Lou Rawls to Barry Manilow; Tony was not only being recognized and awed for his unbelievable moves and grooves......such as moon-walking on his head, doing flips into splits, or spinning 4-5 times around like Michael Jackson. Tony was being recognized by his own peers, celebrities and political leader, for his musical direction, musical composition and dedication to excellence...and to the community at large.

So, what was one of Tony’s best accomplishments, personally and professionally? He’ll tell you was the day that James Brown asked him to back him up, in his home town of Augusta, GA. This would be the last concert for Dr. Brown in Augusta, at the "Soul of America Festival". It took place on Memorial Day Weekend, 2006.and the last time that Tony and he would share a stage...let alone a moment in time. “I’ve lived my dream,” said Tony. I got to perform with Michael, and James Brown. Whatever else I do in my career is icing on the cake”. Tony Wilson's goal and mission, along with his life works are simple: “To keep James Brown’s legacy alive, and I'll do it to death and never retire...because I am The Hardest Working Man in Tribute to the Godfather, said Tony. And that is the truth. From performing overseas in Japan, and the Netherlands at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Tony also toured Ireland, Sweden, Germany, London and the West Indies last year, to performing in major cities, doing festivals and working in local schools and non profits to fund MAMA MUSIC, Tony is living up to that name, and in the process, adding to his national and international fan list.

“I have bands all over the world that I work with, but of course, my Godfather of Soul Band consists of several of the ORIGINAL MEMBERS JAMES BROWN Band, including Bootsy Collins, whom I just got off tour with last year,” said Tony. “Bootsy and I tore it up out there, and I make sure, my band is ready for anything and everything.

To see Tony Wilson’s Promo Video ->click here

To See Tony Wilson and the Godfather of Soul Band Playing Behind James Brown at his last concert in Augusta, as well as compilations of other festivals and concerts and movies he did with James Brown -> click here