Hot Chocolate Co-Founder Tony Wilson Dies at 78

Tony Wilson, the bassist, songwriter, and co-founder of the 1970s soul band Hot Chocolate, died on April 24, 2026, at his home in Trinidad at the age of 78, his family confirmed.

Wilson's daughter announced the death on Facebook, writing, "Dad left us today, April 24th 2026. He left a lot of music behind forever and ever." She described recent conversations in which he had asked for prayers and expressed peace about his passing, adding, "The peace that I have is knowing that his soul escaped. He is in and at peace."

Born in Trinidad, Wilson moved to London as a young man and launched a solo career in 1964 with the single "Yes I Do" on Decca Records. He had composed songs for artists including Herman's Hermits and Mary Hopkin before meeting Jamaican-born Errol Brown in 1969. The neighbors formed Hot Chocolate that year, with Wilson initially serving as lead vocalist before Brown took over the role as the band gained prominence.

Hot Chocolate became the first predominantly Black British band to achieve major U.S. chart success. Their 1975 hit "You Sexy Thing," co-written by Wilson, reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two in the UK. The song's enduring appeal...