TONY MIDDLETON has something of a cult following on the Rare/Northern Soul scene via several excellent dancers. Paris Blues was recorded for Bell (1776, Broadway, New York) subsidiary record label, Mala in 1966. This autobiographical number concerned Tony's down-and-out stay in the French capitol in the early 60's. Enormously popular in 1976, 'Paris Blues" still commands a high price today for this big city style production by Claus Ogerman, particularly on original blue issue copy. Equally popular, is the dramatic recording and pounding version of an old Nat 'King' Cole number 'To the Ends of the Earth' (US MGM and for an even rarer release, on UK Polydor records 1966).

Other recordings sought after by soul collectors include;
Spanish Maiden (Speed and Storm 1969)
My Home Town (Alpha 1962)
You Spoiled My Reputation (ABC Paramount 1965)
My Little Red Book (US Kapp and UK London 1965)

Middleton was born June 26, 1934. in Richmond, Virginia. In the mid-1950's, Middleton moved to New York with his mother. He surpassed others with his skills in various sports and started to box as an amateur in his late 20's. He began his singing career in the Dovers and then joined the 5 Willows in 1952, becoming their lead singer as the group changed their name to the Willows. In 1958 he went solo, however with several songs recorded on a variety of different labels, he still could not produce a hit song and decided to move to Paris in 1962. He also shortened his name and recorded as Tony Milton. With his silky, smooth voice that can become soft or seductive, it drew many fans in the capitol, He then left Paris to come back to New York to try and make another hit. He returned with a self-penned slowish ballad which was swathed in a sumptuous arrangement by Johnny Pate 'You Spoiled My Reputation'. Afterward, he made recordings with big singers including Smokey Robinson, Della Reese and Nell Carter and many performances. Later on, he joined back with the Willows and toured a decade with them.
In recent years Tony has toured Europe and appeared at the 6t's Northern Soul Weekender to audiences consisting of a large range of age differences, belting out songs from the 60's and 70's to more recent tunes. His music has been sought after by collectors both here, Europe and his home country as are his CDs 'Paris Blues' and 'Swingin' for Hamp.'
"Tony is now singing with his pianist Jesse Elder, a three-time ASCAP award winner and his quartet. Tony, besides being the lead singer of the Willows, ('Church Bells May Ring') has also been a songwriter and arranger. He's appeared on Broadway as the lead in 'Cabin in the Sky' and was the featured singer in 'Purlie.' As a soloist, he has performed with and is known by many world-class performers. His big voice is sometimes compared to Joe Williams, Arthur Prysock, Lou Rawls and Ray Charles, yet his range is more complex with his deep and sultry tones. In addition, Tony's greatest strengths are his sense of phrasing and interpretation of lyrics."

Thanks to heartofsoul and Tony Middleton websites, Micky Nold, Dave Flynn and Dave Rimmer for some of the source material. (less info)