 Soul Junction has a forthcoming 45 release lined up from The Coalitions - The Memory of You. As part of the info side of the release the site has been passed on this informative bio of their founding member, Philadelphian William Anthony Anderson who recorded and performed under the name of “Little Tony Talent”
Biography of Tony Talent
Little Tony Talent, the 12 year old singing sensation.Little Tony Talent (real name William Anthony Anderson) was born in Philadelphia on February 11th 1954. Tony first began singing as a member of the Hanna Elementary School, glee club. At the age of 11, Tony through a friend of his mother’s sister (Charlotte) was first introduced to local talent scout and promotion man, Gene Lawson. Lawson, who at the time was acting as Otis Redding’s publicity agent arranged for Little Tony to open the show for Redding during his first appearance in Philadelphia at the cities Uptown Theatre. Tony backed by Redding’s band captivated the audience with a rousing rendition of James Brown’s “I Feel Good”. Thereafter as part of Redding’s touring show Tony would go on to perform in venues in and around Baltimore and Washington D.C. In 1966, Lawson introduced his by now 12 year old, singing sensation Little Tony Talent to New York record producer and owner of Sue records Juggy Murray. Juggy was suitably impressed enough to sign Tony to one of his subsidiary labels, Symbol. Where under the tutelage of producer Jesse Herring Tony recorded “All That’s Good Baby/Your Too Young” (Symbol 218) at the Cameo Parkway studios in Philadelphia
In 1966, Lawson introduced his by now 12 year old, singing sensation Little Tony Talent to New York record producer and owner of Sue records Juggy Murray. Juggy was suitably impressed enough to sign Tony to one of his subsidiary labels, Symbol. Where under the tutelage of producer Jesse Herring Tony recorded “All That’s Good Baby/Your Too Young” (Symbol 218) at the Cameo Parkway studios in Philadelphia.
 During the following year, Lawson secured Tony a further recording contract with Vando Records in New York. The Vando label was jointly owned by Van McCoy and Douglas “Jocko” Henderson (With Vando being an amalgamation of both partners Christian names). Here Tony recorded “Gotta Tell Somebody (About My Baby)/Hooked On You” (Vando 3001) both sides where written and produced by McCoy (with both songs also being recorded by fellow Vando artist Chris Bartley).
 Sadden by the tragic death of his friend Otis Redding, Gene Lawson took a break from the recording industry for a while (Lawson later returned in 1969 to form the Uplook label). With his mentor now gone Tony’s burgeoning career was bought to a temporary halt.
At this moment in time everybody seemed to want to record harmony groups and after losing out in a few talent shows to such acts Tony decided that the best way forward was to form a group of his own. So in 1968 with high school friends Alan Williams, Bruce Dunbar and Carl Smith, Tony formed a group known as the “Deltones”. Although later due to a similarity of names with another Philly harmony group “The Delfonics” a change of name was soon to follow. So in 1969 with the guys choosing a name that they thought was more relevant to the times they were living in, the Deltones became “The Coalitions”. At this juncture Carl Smith left the group to be replaced by the late Dwight Mitchell. The Coalitions were to record a song written for them by Wilbert Hart of the Delfonics entitled “Freedom” although this was reputedly never released.
  Their big break came in 1974 when under the guidance of producer Michael Nise they recorded “Instead … How Are You/I Don’t Mind Doin’ It (Instrumental)” for Leon Dunbar’s local “Re Dun” label. Michael Nise was later responsible for taking “Instead… How Are You to Jamie/Guyden who picked up the release for national distribution on their Phil. LA Of Soul label (367).The Coalitions hit the road, touring the chitlin circuit to help promote their release. A second release (371) of “Instead … How Are You” was issued in early 1975 this time dropping the instrumental flipside in favour of a vocal outing “Later Than You Think”. The highlight of this period for the group was being invited to open a concert in Philadelphia for The Jackson Five.
After the Phil. LA Of Soul adventure closed The Coalition entered a barren period recording wise during which time Bruce Dunbar left the group. His position would later be filled by Bruce Fauntleroy, with a fifth member Stephen Ferguson also joining the group. In circa 1980 with the group line up of Tony Anderson (Talent), Alan Williams, Bruce Fauntleroy, Milton Williams and Stephen Ferguson the Coalitions embarked on a vanity project to record the “Colour Me Blue” album. Although the project was completed, due to lack of finance the finished product was never issued.  The Coalitions are, from left to right:
Bruce Fauntleroy, Alan Williams, Tony Anderson (a.k.a Tony Talent), Milton Williams and Stephen Ferguson. In 1982 Tony married Carmen raising their two children Antoinina and Laquia. Tony also has three other children Tony Jr, Shasaree and Shamia (now deceased) from a previous relationship. It was at this point that Tony turned his back on a career as a full time performer to pursue a new career in the Banking Industry. He currently is in the employ of the Citizens Bank in Philadelphia (the U.S subsidiary of Royal Bank of Scotland). Following a decade of inactivity Tony rediscovered his passion to perform once again. So in 1995 under the new group name of “Ol’ Heads” Tony with former Coalition members Alan Williams and Bruce Fauntleroy and additional member Alfonso Smith recorded the “Before You Go” album. The Late Donald Murphy was the producer on the “Before You Go “project. He also featured as a songwriter on the project along with Marty Sutton. The album was recorded at Gerald Levert’s “Trevel” studio in Cleveland Ohio. A further name change and album project followed in 2003 when under the pseudonym of “The Rheel Menn” the group recorded the “Keepin’ It Rheel” album. The group had by now grown to six members with Tony McFarland and Leonard Deans (both former members of the group, Maximum Level) joining Tony Anderson (Talent), Bruce Fauntleroy, Alan Williams and Milton Williams (who later left the group).
Returning to the previously mentioned “Colour Me Blue” unissued album. After lying dormant in the can for circa 30 years it was recently rescued from obscurity by Soul Junction’s Philadelphia A&R representative, Charles Anderson. A lead 45 featuring two of the album tracks “The Memory Of You” and “On The Block” will be released for the first time in the fall of 2011 (release number SJ512) with the complete album appearing during 2012. For upto date information and to hear sound clips of the 45. Please go to our website
Release Info: http:// www.souljunctionrecords.co.uk or Releases Listing  David Welding Acknowledgments: Photographs: courtesy of Tony Anderson (Talent) Little Tony Talent “All That’s Good Baby” label Scan courtesy of Mark Dobson Coalitions “Instead…How Are You” label scan courtesy of: Steve Guarnori Editorial layout courtesy of Steve Lloyd William “Kooly” Scott’s latest endeavor KOOLY brilliantly blends classic R&B with current grooves and together you get a musical masterpiece featuring the cool, smooth sounds of songs like “Count 2 3,” “Tell Me If You Like It Later” and William’s current single “Twelve O Five.” Legendary bass player Brian Bromberg collaborated with William on the re-recording and remix of “Twelve O Five” and together they created music filled with warm soul, scintillating vocals and bumping grooves. Bromberg said, “The song is unbelievably infectious…I had a blast working on it.”
SmoothJazz.com Founder and President Sandy Shore said, “When I first heard “Twelve O Five,” I immediately thought of how amazing it would sound with a fresh makeover from funky bass man Brian Bromberg... so I asked Brian if he'd be into it and he said that he loved the track... then I asked William, if he was open to it and he said yes... so after a few weeks of studio Mojo, some hot L.A. sidemen and we have a killer new version! This tune is perfect for stations that lean towards urban and soulful... as well as for Smooth Jazz radio that plays Jeffrey Osborne, George Benson and Luther Vandross.” Growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, it became apparent at an early age that William was extraordinary. By the age of eight, he was already performing in his parent’s Gospel group – Voices of Faith. After graduating High School, William went into the Military where he served for six years including two overseas tours. William’s final tour was served in Berlin, Germany where he enjoyed a very successful musical career getting a ton of work as a studio musician in addition to forming his own band. However, after he was told he sounded “too American,” he decided it was time to come home. William continued his incredible musical journey placing second in a national song writing contest (1987) for “Count 2 3” and then won Musician’s Magazine Best Unsigned Artist in the R&B category (1989) for “Tell Me If U Like It Later.” He has recorded with such artists as Joss Stone providing background vocals on her second record and performed with the Grammy Nominated Florida Mass Choir as their bass player on two of their annual Gospel Music Crusades. In addition to his extensive musical career, William exercised his silky voice in the world of commercial voiceover work and three of his musical tracks were used in the documentary “Making the Tracks” which featured a narration by Danny Glover. William’s biggest musical influences are Larry Graham and Gospel and some of his favorite musicians are Gladys Knight, Peabo Bryson, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Luther Vandross. When asked who he would most like to perform with at this stage in his career, he immediately replied “Stevie Wonder or Quincy Jones.” This incredible bass player takes you to the heights of ecstasy with his luscious stylings and compelling compositions. Wearing several hats, William is a renaissance man whose talent spans beyond musical instruments to supreme vocals and lyrical genius. TY CAUSEY
Possessing abundant sex appeal, smooth vocal ease and poetic mastery, Causey is catching the attention of a growing fan base.” - Jazzreview.com Mellifluous, enticing, passionate and dexterous - these are superlatives most certainly appropriate for defining the style and sound of acclaimed singer/songwriter, TY CAUSEY. Talented, prolific, and genuine are best in describing who he is.All combined the result unveils an artist that harkens back to thestoried crooners of the past, but with a present day sheen that boasts a collage of soul, jazz and R&B. His brand of sensual soul and smooth R&B is winning over a growing number of fans and industry insiders alike on the strength of his acclaimed CDs and live performances causing many to place him amongst the elite vocalists on the scene today. While building a solid rep for himself as a consummate live performer, fast becoming known as a local star in his hometown Fort Wayne and the surrounding to th Indiana area, a series of fateful connections brought him e attention of noted contemporary jazz saxophonist, Najee while there for a performance. So impressed with a demo of Causey’s, Najee quickly invited him to work on his next project, the Verve Records release, MORNING TENDERNESS. Causey would not only be a featured vocalist on the recording, co-writing several of it’s tracks, but he would also fill that spot on the subsequent worldwide tour which had him sharing the stage with other artists such as Pieces Of A Dream, Norman Brown and more. This great opportunity introduced him to a number of eventual fans of his style and sound. Needless to say, the enthusiastic response he received while on the tour encouraged Causey upon his return home to start crafting a project of his own. He ultimately released his aptly titled full-length debut, NTYSING in 2004. The winning collection that featured guest spots from saxophonist Najee and bassist Nelson Braxton of the jazz duo Braxton Brothers drew enthusiastic reviews and found its way to the playlists of radio programs in both the U.S and abroad including the UK, Japan and Germany. The resulting exposure gave notice to an engaging new voice on the music scene moving many to include N-TYSING on several “best of” lists for 2004. Causey has since released four more acclaimed projects including LOVE NOTES and EXPRESSIONS, which holds a position as one of premier on-line music retailers, CDBaby.com’s top selling Urban/ R&B: Smooth Soul albums and helped to garner him yet another Male Vocalist of Year nomination, his fourth, from Soultracks.com which wrote in it’s review of the release, “Ty Causey has taken a strong, creative turn on Expressions that should provide ample material for both smooth jazz and UAC radio to highlight forsome time. It should also accelerate his growth as one of the most enjoyable adult soul singers around.” Premiere on-line destination for smooth jazz, SmoothJazz.com also wrote, “Causey is an extraordinarily talented producer/singer/songwriter who has got to be one of the brightest new stars of the smooth jazz, R&B, and sensual soul genres . . . EXPRESSIONS is the album that should move Mr. Causey right to the top of the pack, where he certainly belongs.” Causey’s latest release, TRUE LOVE IN MOTION, is a solid collection,
consistent with his others, of winning tracks, infectious beats, indelible hooks and an infusion of contemporary flows – done his way – delivered with one of the most engaging and purest voices on the scene today. And also like his others this collection has received impressive reviews like that from Indiana magazine, Frost Illustrated, that raves, “With each record, Causey just keeps getting better and better at what he does. He’s really hit stride on this record, his already great voice maturing and him using it to explore even more emotional nooks and crannies in his writing and production.” While Causey has built an impressive as well as acclaimed catalog of recorded music and is continuously in the studio creating music for future projects, his love is to perform live. In addition to appearing at music festivals, sponsored public and private events, and music clubs such as the legendary Bluenote Jazz Club in New York, Causey has opened and shared the stage with a number of noted R&B and smooth jazz artists including Boney James, Najee, Peter White and Chico Debarge, continuing in the process to capture new admirers of his captivating voice and sound. TYVONN
RECORDS 1416 Dodge Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 260 471 0876 email: tycauseymusic@gmail.com  Sam E. Solo Biography
Sam E. Solo was born Samuel Flournoy Jr on the 13th of July 1942 in Shreveport Louisiana, to parents Samuel and Ona Lee Flournoy. While still a babe in arms Sam’s family moved to Flint Michigan. As many other southern families had done prior to and after them seeking a better life in the more industrial cities of the north.
Sam’s grandfather Isaac Epps a carpenter by trade and an ordained minister had moved north a year earlier taking up residence in Flint and it was he who the family first lived with until Sam’s father found work at General Motors.
From the age of 8 until he was 16 Sam honed his voice at his grandfather’s church. But like most teenagers he became more intrigued with secular music eventually joining an R &B group known as the “Royal Lovers”. The Royal Lovers became a popular act around their local neighbourhood and this was to lead to a potential lucky break for Sam. When big band leader Big Jay McNeely who was in town visiting his Sister heard the group perform. McNeely persuaded Sam to join his band with the promise of a recording contract and a performing tour of Texas. So Sam headed south to live with his half sister Mary Lee Forest in Houston, Texas. Mary Lee would act as Sam’s chaperone due to him being under age of 21.
While in Houston Sam did get to audition for Don Robey’s Peacock label but no recording deal ever materialised. Though Robey was suitably impressed enough to sign Sam as the opening act for several of his revue’s which featured acts such as Bobby (Blue) Bland, Lowell Fulsom, Little Junior Parker and Etta James amongst others.
Upon reaching the age of 18 Sam decided to return to Flint where he rejoined the “Royal Lovers”. The next significant figure in Sam’s career was Al Bennett Bennett offered to manage Sam and it he who introduced Sam to radio DJ Fred Garrett, who later arranged a recording session for Sam at the One-derful studios in Chicago. Although three tracks were recorded none were ever thought to have gained a release. Sam remembers the title of one of the tracks as being “Hey, Hey Pretty Baby “. Bennett did eventually get Sam a recording contract with a local Flint label owner, by the name of James Wheeler. Sam recorded a solitary release for Wheeler records under the name of Little Sammy & The Wheelettes “Tell The Truth Jackie/Goodbye My Love”
This too was to be short lived affair when one of the Wheelettes an all girl threesome became emotionally involved with a local pimp who during an argument shot her dead. Sam’s next return to the recording studio came in 1966 when Al Bennett introduced him to Bob Schwartz the owner of Ruby Records.It was During his time with Ruby that Sam cut his best remembered release, the excellent double sided” Tears Keep Falling/Love Is Not A Game” (Ruby 5075).
Recorded under the tutelage of the Pied Piper Production team and featuring the all girl group, The Wonderettes
of “I Feel Strange”, fame on backing vocals. This would be the first and last time that Sam would meet the girls. Incidentally Sam was blissfully unaware that “Tears keep Falling” had gained a release on the major United Artists distributed Imperial label, (that was until I mentioned it 44 years later). The deal with UA/ Imperial was most probably arranged through Bob Schwartz who operated as a record distributorship at the time.
Sam’s follow up release was a cover version of a Amos Milburn song,”Bad, Bad Whisky/Baby, Baby (Ruby 5090).This time under the stage name of Sammy Soulo. The Rudy label eventually closed down and with it so did Sam’s recording career for the foreseeable future.
 Sam continued to perform on the supper club and chitlin circuit with several different groups the likes of Jim Taylor’s Flipside. At one point he replaced Bobby Taylor (of the Vancouver’s) as the front man for Good Rockin’ Brown and the Soul Brothers on a tour of Alaska and Las Vegas. Sam also appeared on the local Detroit TV show “Club1270” and later went up to Canada to perform on the “Swingtime” show.
As the 70’s dawned although still continuing to perform Sam took a day job as a truck driver, an occupation he continued on a full time basis until his 65th birthday, he still gets behind the wheel of a truck today but only to help out on a part time basis at a friend’s haulage company, Walker Transport.
In 2008 Sam joined the Ministry and now goes under the title of the Reverend Sam E. Solo. Together with his old friends, brothers Eddie and Reggie Garland formerly of the local Detroit groups, the 21st Generation and the Perfections (Ultra and Tri-city respectively) they collaborated on the “Peace Angel” Gospel cd album project.
The album contains four tracks recorded by Sammy “Through Me” ( a recent popular play with radio jocks in the Carolina’s), A Place Called Calvary”, Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus” and I’ll Never Let You Down”. The remainder of the cd features songs by the Garland Brothers and Betty Maker. David Welding With acknowledgments to the Reverend Sam E. Solo and Jerome Cunningham Photographs courtesy of the Reverend Sam E. Solo.
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