Kevin Toney, he’s a pianist, composer, arranger and producer. As a renowned contemporary instrumental recording artist, Kevin has shared his gifts and spirits with people all around the world. Best known as an original founding member of the groundbreaking jazz-fusion group “The Blackbyrds “ Kevin wrote many of their hit songs including “Rock Creek Park” and the Grammy Nominated “Unfinished Business”. His best-known solo recordings include “Kings”, “Aphrodisiac” “Celebration” and “Hey Young World”. Urban Network declares “Kevin Toney has proven himself to be among the most masterful and versatile keyboardist of his generation, playing with a technical proficiency that is at the absolute peak of the contemporary jazz game.” Billboard Magazine notes “Toney’s piano skills and ear for melody set him apart from the pack and make him enjoyable and engaging.” Most recently Kevin has launched an independent recording label and has released “A Grateful Heart, Kevin Toney Solo”. This new recording features 10 new original solo piano compositions and improvisations, which are best, described as inspirational and uplifting. Kevin’s mission is “to take the listener on a spiritual journey through music, providing a haven for reflection and prayer and an enduring hope that will encourage a deeper personal connection with God. Deeply personal and introspective, “A Grateful Heart” is a journey of discovery and revelation. Kevin explains that this is the “most important musical work I’ve ever produced in that this work was not created for commercial reasons and benefits. God, his love, forgiveness, joy, and the sheer delight to give generously are the soul inspiration and dedication for this recording.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he attended the prestigious Cass Technical High School and performed with many of the cities top jazz musicians. His early musical influences included a mix of Bach, Debussy, Chopin, Art Tatum, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. At age 18 Kevin attended Howard University where he later received his B.A. in Composition and Jazz Studies. There he was discovered by trumpeter, jazz studies department head Donald Byrd who would put together a group of his best students. Kevin became the leader of this groundbreaking jazz-fusion group called The Blackbyrds. Currently a K-Tone Enterprises recording artist, Kevin has nine solo recording commercial releases to date including A Grateful Heart-Kevin Toney Solo, Retrospectives, 110 Degrees And Rising, Sweet Spot, Strut, Extra Sensual Perception, Lovescape, Pastel Mood, and Special K. Strut was selected by the 2002 Winter Olympics Committee as part of its “official music’ along side of Paul McCartney and Alicia Keys! Kevin’s collaboration with “Unwrapped” producer Tony Joseph on the unprecedented compilation Def Jazz, an all-star contemporary jazz interpretation of rap classics, was released in 2005 on Def Jam Records. Featured performances with Hubert Laws on the catchy “Bring the Pain” and the standout radio hit “Hey Young World” with Gerald Albright were highlights of the project. Kevin has performed on major jazz festivals and concerts through out the United States including The Capital Jazz Festival, The Playboy Jazz Festival, The Long Beach Jazz Festival, The Jazz And Blues Festival in Denver, The Pasadena Jazz Festival, Chene Park and more! As an educator, Kevin does master classes and guest artist appearances at universities and schools around the country including CSU Los Angeles, UC Irvine, East Carolina University, Howard University, Columbia College, Duke Ellington School Of The Arts and Musicians Institute in Hollywood.

Kevin has recorded and or performed with many top artists including Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, Donald Byrd, Sonny Rollins, O.C Smith, Oscar Brown Jr., Stevie Wonder, Kenny Burrell, James Newton, Andrew White, Carl Anderson, Whitney Houston, Pink, Shirley Caesar, Edwin Hawkins, Ted Neely, Brenda Russell George Strait, Shaina Twain, En Vogue, Monica, Ray Parker Jr. Isaac Hayes, Booby Womack, James Ingram, Def Jazz, Hubert Laws, Sonny Stitt, David “Fathead” Newman, Gerald Wilson, Bill Summers, Bill Withers, Cheryl Lynn, Norman Brown, Peter White and more. In addition Kevin showcased his musical versatility as a conductor and arranger for top recording and performing artists including: James Ingram, Patti Austin, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Enrique Iglesias, Brian McKnight, Tyrese, Ja-Rule, Musiq Soulchild, Edwin Hawkins, Gloria Gaynor, Michael McDonald, Brenda Russell, Ted Neely, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Freda Payne Bill Withers. He has served as conductor and arranger for theatrical productions of: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Five Guys Named Moe, Sophisticated Ladies, Harlem Suite, Wild Women Blues, The Magic Of Motown (A Tribute To Barry Gordy) and Atlanta.

2009 has seen Kevin performing in diverse spiritual centers as Saddleback Chuch (Rick Warren Pastor), Trinity Broadcast Network “Praise The Lord” program (Clifton Davis-host), Oakland Center For Spiritual Living, Las Vegas Center For Spiritual Living and more. Kevin other recent activities are the publication of the “Kevin Toney Collection Volume 1” which include 24 of his most popular recorded compositions. He’s scored a full-length feature film titled “Kings Of The Evening” which will be released in late 2009. With his wife Phyllis and children, Jason and Dominique, The Toney Family Foundation has found roots with a focus on music and arts related philanthropy Kevin’s light continues to shine on the musical landscape with his creative vision and diverse talents opening the world to a rare genius exhibited by few but experienced by many.

AWARDS


-RIAA Certified Gold Albums w/ Blackbyrds for “City Life’, “Unfinished Business” and “Action”

-#1 Pop Instrumental Group; The Blackbyrds, Billboard Magazine

-Grammy Award Nomination “Best Instrumental Song”
Unfinished Business (original composition)


-#1 Jazz Group; The Blackbyrds, Record World

-National Endowment For The Arts (Composers Grant)

-NAACP Image Award (The Blackbyrds)

-Keys to the City Awards…Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans