The word is out:  TONY & COMPANY is the gospel music force to be reckoned with in the South Carolina "Lowcountry!"

Led by veteran vocalist, Tony Washington, TONY & COMPANY has quickly made a name for themselves with a roof-raising mix of traditional and contemporary gospel music.

Tony Washington has long been familiar to Lowcountry audiences for his lifetime service in the gospel music field.  Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Tony began singing in church at the age of 7, encouraged by his parents.

Blessed with a soaring natural falsetto, he quickly found his place in the lead vocal position with a number of noted local groups.  His career began with nearly 10 years with The Five Gospels (1972-82), followed by a lengthy tenure with The Gospel True-Lites of Strawberry, SC (1982-90), a dynamic ensemble that shared the stage with performers as diverse as with The Late Rev. James Cleveland and Koko Taylor, the "Queen of the Blues".  Tony's musical vision was too strong, too individual, making it only a matter of time before he embarked on his best project yet, "TONY & COMPANY", formed in late 1991.

Tony is joined by fellow-talented members: Sean McClain (keyboards), Harry Watts (guitar, vocals), Latonya Cobin (bass, vocals) Aarian Land, Jr. (drums), and Koreco Cobin (vocals).  Together they are creating exciting gospel music that succeeds on numerous levels.  Rooted in tradition, TONY & COMPANY's approach, while deeply inspirational, incorporates elements of fusion jazz and melodic R&B, making it fresh and vibrant enough to inspire the young and old alike. 

Festivals
Aside from a full calendar of concerts in churches throughout the South, TONY & COMPANY has performed on numerous festival bills in the Southeast, including the prestigious Spoleto Festival, Moja Arts Festival, Charleston Blues Festival, and such benefits as the "Taste of Charleston", and "Taste of the Nation".  TONY & COMPANY is presently a regular attraction at the famous "House of Blues" located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

Community Outreach
TONY & COMPANY are co-sponsors of a city-wide Gospel Fest which is held annually on Easter Sunday.  The attendance of this festival is in excess of 5,000 people.  TONY & COMPANY was the force behind the success of the first Gospel Fest in 1994 and remains to be the premier gospel artist at this annual festival.  This event features numerous local gospel artists, national gospel artists, booth exhibits, childrens' ministry and activities, refreshments, major gifts/prizes and much more!  They are also prominent role models in the community especially for the youth.           

Overseas Tours
Since their first wildly successful tour of Switzerland and Italy early in '92, TONY & COMPANY has returned to Europe more than a dozen times, playing to packed houses ranging from cathedrals to schools, and even nightclubs.

Recordings
TONY & COMPANY's premier album, A New Beginning (Erwin Music, EM-92-1; cassette), featured a selection of the group's most-requested songs.  Produced by Gary Erwin and recorded by Eddie West at Heart Studio in Charleston, A New Beginning quickly entered regular rotation on numerous area gospel radio stations and received rave reviews in publications as diverse as Charleston Free Time, II Blues (Milan, Italy), Jefferson (Sweden), and Blue & Rhythm (Great Britain).  TONY & COMPANY's second album is entitled, "Deeply Rooted" with the Erwin Music label, a CD project, which featured original songs, as well as interpretations of traditional gospel numbers.  Listen out for TONY & COMPANY's live recording.  It is going to be a winner!

Tony & Company’s newest release, “Tony & Company Live” is one that you must have.  This recording was done live in Austria and it’s pumping with great traditional, contemporary and a rare flavor of the “good old gospel”.

Tony & Company recently debuted in their first movie adventure, entitled “Miracle” which will be released early 2004.  Tony, the lead singer, plays the character of  Luke Williams and the band joins him in electrifying the audience to have some “real church”.  This is a movie you do not want to miss!!! 

Whether or not you are a follower of gospel music, you cannot help but be moved by TONY & COMPANY.  Check them out----you'll be glad you did!

Line-up:
Anthony WASHINGTON - lead singer
Randy STEVENS - bass guitar, vocal
Gary BELLINGER - vocals
Harry V. WATTS - guitar, vocal
Aarian LAND, Jr. - drums
Sean McCLAIN - keyboard, vocal