Singer, Actress, songwriter, comedian, arranger, vocal arranger and self taught pianist.
Born Thomassina Carrollyne Smith in The Bronx, New York, U.S.A.
Died on January 28th, 2020 in New York, U.S.A.
Known as singer and writter of Tom Browne's disco funk hit "Funkin' For Jamaica" (from the 'Love Approach' album).
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and began singing when she was six years old. She began singing professionally at 12 years old with her first band known as the “Lindell Experience.” After growing restless she decided to work with an additional band known as “Bronkz”. She left home at 18 years old to pursue her music career full force and joined the oldies group called the The Crystals with one of the original members, Dolores Kenniebrew. This experience allowed her the opportunity to perform at many theatres in Los Angeles, such as the Ampi-theatre and the Shrine Auditorium - and even open for headline acts for various Dick Clark productions. Shortly thereafter, Tonni met Tom Browne and soon she began to introduce Tom to some of her original material which he took a positive interest in. “Tom asked me if I had any ideas for a tune he was working on and that song is now known as the famous “Funkin’ For Jamaica.” Co-written by Tonni and released on Arista/GRP Records, “Funkin’ For Jamaica” was number one for five weeks straight. She also co-wrote “Thighs High” which went Gold and “Let’s Dance” on the follow up album "Magic" and "Jam Fo’ Real". Her voice was later heard on several jingles for various television commercials.
Tonni has done vocals arrangements for Stephanie Mills and Meli'sa Morgan. She has also done session work for the Fat Boys, James Ingram and Gavin Christopher and recorded with the late Keith Diamond who wrote for Billy Ocean. Later projects included Velour recording group “Lettuce,” Donald Blackman, and jazz artist Dave Koz. Tonni is regularly called upon by the Rhythm Syndicate producer/writer-duo Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken. Additionally, Tonni recorded vocals for metal funk bassist T.M. Stevens, keyboardist Bob Baldwin and former member of Unlimited Touch, Lenny Underwood.
Tonni recorded a single entitled “Rejoice!” written and produced by Dewey Cioffi of Divadownentertaiment, which was released on Soundmen on Wax records in 2003. She has also recorded a follow-up single entitled "One Love" due out this Spring on the same label and another Diva Anthem entitled "Too Many Nights" which was remixed in England by Lee Hesler.
Thomassina Carrollyne Smith, a.k.a. Toni Smith passed away on 28th January 2020 in the USA.