ARTIST OVERVIEW
Tony Wilson, personally endorsed as the "Young James Brown" by the Godfather of Soul himself, is a vibrant Chicago native with a deep-rooted passion for entertainment.
From his teenage years, he has enthralled global audiences with high-energy performances that fuse explosive showmanship, magnetic charisma, and iconic dance moves inspired by the legends who shaped him.
In his 20s, Tony embraced his destiny as a performer, excelling in talent competitions—including the legendary Apollo Theater—where he was crowned the Best Michael Jackson Entertainer and earned a spot on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
This milestone drew the attention of Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, who became a lifelong mentor and friend. Tony's trajectory soared from there. Icons like James Brown recruited him for film projects, stand-in roles, and band backing. Impressed by Tony's distinctive style, Brown invited him to appear in director Tony Scott's short film Beat the Devil. At Brown's direct request. Tony also portrayed the Young James Brown in the film Funk Blast, where—on set—Brown uniquely bestowed upon him the title "Young James Brown," an honor no one else has received.
In 2008, funk icon Bootsy Collins selected Tony as the frontman for his international James Brown Tribute Tour. Supported by original James Brown band members such as Catfish Collins, Fred Wesley, and Tomi Rae Brown (among others).
The tour captivated crowds across Europe, highlighting venues like the North Sea Jazz Festival, O2 Wireless in London's Hyde Park, and a massive performance for 80,000 fans at Japan's Fuji Rock Festival.
Today, Tony honors his influences while blazing his own trail. Since 2009, he has partnered with World Conference of Mayors founder Johnny Ford to designate May 3 as James Brown Day and organize Mayor’s Music Festivals in cities across the nation.
He is also developing the Rest in Peace Tribute Tour with his Godfather of Soul Band, a powerful production celebrating icons like James Brown and Michael Jackson through dynamic, high-voltage shows—culminating each night with Tony's original 2005 tribute song to Michael Jackson, "We Call Him Peter Pan."
More than a mere performer, Tony Wilson serves as a vital link between the golden age of soul and modern stages, channeling raw funk, boundless energy, and genuine authenticity that gets every audience on their feet.
Key Highlights & Achievements
- Endorsed by James Brown: Personally selected to portray the "Young James Brown" in Funk Blast (2000s), the only artist to receive this direct endorsement.
- Bootsy Collins Tribute Tour (2008): Frontman for the worldwide James Brown Tribute, featuring original band members; performed at major festivals including North Sea Jazz, O2 Wireless (London), and Fuji Rock (Japan, 80,000 attendees).
- Film & TV Appearances: Featured in Beat the Devil (dir. Tony Scott); The Oprah Winfrey Show; stand-in and backup for major artists.
- Awards & Recognition: Crowned Best Michael Jackson Entertainer at Apollo Theater contests; mentored by Joe Jackson.
- Social Impact: Partnering with Johnny Ford to establish James Brown Day (May 3rd) and citywide Mayor’s Music Festivals.
- Original Music: Composer of "We Call Him Peter Pan" (2005 tribute to Michael Jackson), performed as the finale of his tribute shows.
Current Projects
- REST IN PEACE TRIBUTE TOUR: A high-octane celebration of departed music icons like James Brown and Michael Jackson, backed by the Godfather of Soul Band. Features explosive live renditions and Tony's signature dance-driven energy.
- James Brown Day Initiative: Ongoing collaboration to proclaim May 3rd as a national day of funk and soul, with music festivals in major cities.
Technical Rider:
Tony Wilson and the Godfather of Soul Band
This rider outlines essential requirements for staging, sound, lighting, and hospitality to ensure a seamless, high-energy performance. All equipment should be name-brand professional grade.
Staging & Equipment
- Bass Amp: 1 x Harker 5500 bass amp head (or sound company's choice, on-brand).
- Guitar Amps: 2 x Harker lead guitar amps (or sound company's choice, on-brand).
- Drums: 1 x 5-piece Yamaha Tour Custom set with hardware and cymbals.
- Percussion: 2 x LP congas on stands; 1 x bongos on stand (top name-brand).
- Microphones & Stands:
- 1 x Wireless Shure SM58 for lead vocal (center stage, round base stand only—no boom).
- 3 x Wireless mics for female background vocals (round base stands only—no boom).
- 3 x Mics for horns (sax, trumpet, trombone; round base stands).
- Monitors: No monitors blocking center stage. Cords must route to the right or left front of mic stands to avoid interfering with dancing.
- Stage Layout (Front to Back):
- Front Stage: Tony Wilson (center, X = round base mic stand with mic; side monitor optional).
- 3 Horns (left, with monitor).
- 3 Female Background Vocals (right, with monitors).
- Lead Guitar | Bass Guitar | Lead Guitar.
- Keyboards.
- Drums & Congas (on risers, with monitors).
- Back Stage: Additional space for band overflow.
Input List
- Drums: Kick (DI), Snare (DI), Hi-Hat (DI), Rack Tom 1 (DI), Rack Tom 2 (DI), Floor Tom (DI), Overhead R, Overhead L.
- Bass: Right channel.
- Guitars: Right & Left channels.
- Vocals: 1 x Lead (center), 3 x Female Background, Trumpet, Trombone, Sax.
Note: Sound companies may use their preferred name-brand equipment.
Lighting Requirements
- Crew: 2-person team (1 operator, 1 follow spot).
- Programming: Operator to program lighting board under direction from production team members.
- Cue Sheet: Basic cue sheet provided prior to rehearsal/sound check.
Rehearsal & Tech Schedule
- Standard venue load-in and sound check to be coordinated with production.
- Merchandise: 2 long tables provided at the venue for sales during performance.
Hospitality & Backstage
- Dressing Rooms: Separate, clean, private, and secure rooms for 7 men and 3 women. Located near hot/cold water and lavatory facilities. Each room must include full-length mirrors, clothes racks, and a supply of clean towels.
- Catering:
- Load-In/Lunch: Assortment of cold soft drinks and bottled water for early crew.
- Dinner: Theme-oriented (e.g., Chinese, Italian, BBQ chicken, fish). Include deli trays with breads and fruits.
- Beverages (Prior to and During Performance):
- 4 cases (16 oz.) bottled water.
- 4 cases of assorted soda.
- 4 cases of juice.
- 2 bottles of Zinfandel red wine.
- 2 bottles of Zinfandel white wine.
- Housing: 4-star or higher accommodations.
- Maximum: 1 suite for Tony Wilson.
- Minimum: 1 suite for 3 female background singers to share; 3 doubles; 4 singles.
- Transportation: Limo/coach bus or limo van from airport to venue/hotel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Executive Secretary: Jashema Wilson
developments@bossheconsulting.com
PUBLICIST
larahomeloans@gmail.com
TONY WILSON CEO
Believe It Or Not Productions
2662 LPGA Blvd. #822
Daytona Beach, FL 34124
- Office Phone: 773 - 779 -1919
- Email: youngJamesbrown@aol.com