Fonzi Thornton

Singer/songwriter Fonzi Thornton is one of the busiest session vocalists around and scored his own solo hit with Beverly. Born Alfonso Thornton in New York City, he appeared on Roxy Music's Avalon album as well as their world tour that followed and also on Bryan Ferry's Boys And Girls & Bete Noire albums. He appeared with Bryan at Live Aid in 1985.

Becoming a background vocalist behind Luther Vandross, Thornton toured the world and can be heard on the singer's gold and platinum albums.He also can be heard doing background vocals on various releases including those by Chic.

In 1983,Thornton got a solo artist deal with RCA Records.Thornton co-wrote and co-produced his debut RCA LP,The Leader with RCA executive Robert Wright.Issued in spring 1983,the urban pop LP yielded the percolating,perennial dance favorite "Beverly," which made it to #43 R&B on Billboard's charts in spring 1983.Chic's Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards appear on the LP.

Thornton and Wright also co-wrote and produced his second RCA LP, Pumpin' ,released in summer 1984 which was more reflective of the dance/rock of the time.

Thornton can also be heard on Norman Connors' Eternity CD issued in spring 2000 by EMI/Right Stuff as well as recordings by Al Jarreau ,Aretha Franklin,BeBe Winans,Bette Midler,Billy Porter,Bob James,Bonnie Tyler,Brecker Brothers,Candi Staton,Carly Simon,Carole Davis,Celine Dion,Cheryl Lynn,David Bowie,Debbie Gibson,Debbie Harry,Deborah Gibson,Diana Ross,Donald Fagen,E.P. M,France Joli,Howard Jones,J. Geils Band,Jewel,Jimmie Vaughan,Jody Watley,Joe Cocker,Patti Labelle,Mariah Carey,Mica Paris,Michael Bolton,R.Kelly,Vanessa Williams,The System and a slew of others.

Fonzi Thornton is credited on the following Roxy Music and Solo Albums