LAMAMIMET

Tony Wilson was born in 1947 in London and began his musical career in the late 1960s, playing in various local groups before joining the emerging soul outfit Hot Chocolate. His deep baritone voice and steady bass lines helped shape the band's sound as they moved from club circuits to mainstream success.

Wilson became a core member of Hot Chocolate during the early 1970s, contributing to the group's string of hits that blended funk, disco, and pop. He sang lead on several tracks and was part of the lineup that recorded the 1975 worldwide hit "You Sexy Thing," a song that remains synonymous with the band's legacy. Over the next two decades he toured extensively, appearing on television and at major festivals, and participated in the songwriting and production processes that kept the band relevant through changing musical trends.

After Hot Chocolate's commercial peak, Wilson pursued solo projects and occasional collaborations, while also mentoring younger musicians. He eventually settled in Trinidad, where he enjoyed a quieter life away from the spotlight. Wilson passed away on 27 April 2026 in Trinidad at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in one of Britain's most enduring soul groups.