Versatile Singer Tony Middleton Has Died at Age 89

Especially known for being the lead of the doo wop group The Willows (“Church Bells May Ring”), versatile singer Tony Middleton passed away on February 7 at age 89. Among his many credits in a varied career, Middleton was the Broadway lead, Little Joe, in Cabin in the Sky and Purlie in Porgy and Bess. He was also Sammy Davis Jr’s understudy in Europe, performing four months in Free and Easy. Middleton worked with the likes of Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Nell Carter, Della Reese, Cissy Houston and many more. He sang Michel Legrand’s title song “Eva” in the film of that name, and as a jazz singer performed regularly in venues in New York City and beyond.

As a teenager, Middleton was working towards becoming a “golden gloves” boxer, but his course changed when he became the lead singer and songwriter of The Willows. The group is most well-known for his tune, “Church Bells May Ring,” but hey also recorded “My Dear Dearest Darling,” “Dolores,”  “White Cliffs of Dover” and many more. The Willows were inducted into the Doo Wop Hall of Fame in 2011.

Additionally, he also performed in concert at City Center and at Wolf Trap with the Alvin Ailey Dancers, singing the “Mary Lou Williams’ Mass,” and was one of the headliners at Lincoln Center for the 55^th Birthday tribute to legendary alto sax master, Charlie Parker. His act has headlined at the Apollo Theater along with Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Big Mabel and Slappy White. Middleton recorded “Don’t Ever Leave Me,” (Burt Bacharach), which received a Grammy Nomination.

A project in the works had been working with and recording new music with Philip Springer, (“Santa Baby”). Springer’s song “Headed Home” (with Senator Orrin Hatch) was performed and recorded as a tribute to Teddy Kennedy.

As a jazz singer, Middleton was often compared to Joe Williams, Arthur Prysock, Lou Rawls and Ray Charles, yet, he offered a more complex range and ability with his deep and sultry tones. Among the venues in which he performed as a jazz soloist are Smalls, The St. Regis Hotel, Palio, Rue 57, The Blue Note, the Iridium, Opia, Swing 46, Le Cirque, Kitano and Minton’s Playhouse.

Working almost till the end, in November 2019 Middleton performed in tour in Spain, by invitation from renowned pianist Lluis Capdevila, who, like others who’ve worked with him, appreciated his authenticity, range, creativity and warmth.

Middleton’s long career has also included many commercials, television, film and the cabaret circuit in the US and abroad.

A memorial service for Middleton will be held on Sunday, February 18  from 12 PM to 3 PM at the R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home, 141 East 103rd St., New York, N.Y 100129. (TAKE THE #6 LEXINGTON AVE, LINE TO THE 103 STREET STOP.)