April 28, (THEWILL) — Tony Wilson, the bassist and co-founder of the soul band Hot Chocolate, has died at 89. He passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at his home in Trinidad.
Wilson, along with frontman Errol Brown, co-wrote the band’s biggest hits, including “You Sexy Thing” and “Emma”.
The band was one of the first Black British groups to achieve success in the U.S.
His family confirmed the news on social media. His daughter shared, “Dad left us today. He left a lot of music behind… forever and ever.”
Born in Trinidad, Wilson formed Hot Chocolate in the late 1960s.
The band’s breakthrough came in 1969 with a reggae version of John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance.” Over the years, they scored multiple hits, including “Love is Life.”
Wilson left the band in 1975 to pursue a solo career, though his albums did not achieve major chart success.
Tributes have poured in since his passing. His son, Danny, praised his father’s hard work in the music industry, recalling the struggles Wilson documented in his diaries.
No cause of death has been announced, but his daughter said he passed away peacefully.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
