Story perspectives

Hot Chocolate Co-Founder Tony Wilson Dies at 89

4/29/2026

Summary

Tony Wilson Dies

Tony Wilson, Hot Chocolate co-founder, died in Trinidad on April 24, 2026, aged 89.
His daughter announced his death on Facebook, noting Wilson co-wrote “You Sexy Thing” and “Emma” (1975), helping Hot Chocolate become the first black band to chart in the US.
He released the albums I Like Your Style (1976) and Catch One (1979).
Hot Chocolate logged a UK hit every year from 1970 to 1984, a 15-year streak.

Summary

Tony Wilson Dies

His children announced on Facebook that he died at his Trinidad home of unspecified causes.
Born in Trinidad, he co-founded Hot Chocolate with Errol Brown in the late 1960s and left the group in 1975 to launch a solo career.
He co-wrote the 1975 hits “Emma,” which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “You Sexy Thing,” which went platinum in the UK and reached the U.S. top 10.

Summary

Wilson Age Dispute

News outlets reported two different ages for Wilson, listing him as 78 and 89 at his death on 24 April 2026.
Danny Wilson said his father also wrote songs for Herman’s Hermits, Mary Hopkins and Mavin John.
Wilson’s daughter posted on Facebook that he was “led to the Lord with understanding” during a “conscious talk time” on Friday 17 April, highlighting a spiritual dimension to his final days.

Summary

Wilson's Enduring Hit

The track re-entered the UK top 10 in three separate decades, showing its enduring popularity.
Its inclusion in film soundtracks worldwide demonstrates Wilson’s cultural imprint beyond chart rankings.
Rotation on radio and party playlists across decades confirms lasting appeal independent of Wilson’s solo record sales.
Wilson’s bass lines formed the musical foundation that helped the song achieve its timeless status, keeping his name prominent despite his solo albums not charting.

History

Historical Context

Hot Chocolate released “You Sexy Thing” in October 1975; co-writers Errol Brown and Tony Wilson saw it climb to No. 2 in the UK and No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 by February 1976, earning Billboard’s #22 song of 1976. Wilson left the band that year, and his 2026 death announcement revived memories of the disco-era breakthrough that still fuels streaming and reissues.

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Tony Wilson Dies

Tony Wilson, Hot Chocolate co-founder, died in Trinidad on April 24, 2026, aged 89.
His daughter announced his death on Facebook, noting Wilson co-wrote “You Sexy Thing” and “Emma” (1975), helping Hot Chocolate become the first black band to chart in the US.
He released the albums I Like Your Style (1976) and Catch One (1979).
Hot Chocolate logged a UK hit every year from 1970 to 1984, a 15-year streak.

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