One of the members of 1970s band Hot Chocolate has died after helping the band become one of the first predominantly Black british groups to have major success in America
21:30, 27 Apr 2026Updated 22:02, 27 Apr 2026
Tony Wilson and Errol Brown in Hot Chocolate(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
One the stars of 1970s band Hot Chocolate has died. Tony Wilson, the bassist and one of the songwriters behind ‘You Sexy Thing’, died aged 78, in Trinidad, his daughter revealed.
His daughter took to Facebook with the announcement on Friday (24 April). She said: “Dad left us today, April 24th 2026. He left a lot of music behind…forever and ever.
“I am thankful that on Friday 17th during our conscious talk time he was led to the Lord with understanding. Some mornings later he asked for prayers. He said that he was leaving.
“The peace that I have is knowing that his soul escaped. He is in and at peace. That is the peace I also have. I give God thanks and praise. Look around….We carry nothing with us. We have to make our election sure. This is serious. The question remains, in the end, where will we spend eternity?”
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British group Hot Chocolate in November 1972. From left, Patrick Olive, singer Errol Brown, Tony Wilson and drummer Tony Connor. (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
Before his death, Tony co-founded Hot Chocolate, the first predominantly Black British group to make waves in the US Charts. He and Jamaican-born songwriter Errol Brown formed the group in London in 1969. The two met as they lived in flats opposite each other. Tony was originally the lead vocalist but by the time they cracked America, Errol had taken over lead vocals.
He co-wrote the band’s 1975 single ‘You Sexy Thing’, which peaked at number three in America, and number two in Britain. It also reached the top 10 in the UK in three separate decades. They also had success with other songs, including ‘Love Is Life’, ‘You Could Have Been A Lady’, ‘Emma’ and ‘Brother Louie”, a song about an interracial relationship.
Hot Chocolate in April 1974. Standing, left to right: singer-songwriter Errol Brown, guitarist Harvey Hinsley, keyboard player Larry Ferguson, drummer Tony Connor, bassist and songwriter Tony Wilson and percussionist Patrick Olive. (Image: Hulton Archive)
Shortly after ‘You Sexy Thing’s release Tony left the band for a solo career, which was not quite as successful. He released two albums, I Like Your Style and Catch One, neither of which charted in America or the UK.
Fans of Tony and Hot Chocolate were gutted to hear of his death. Commenting on his daughter’s post, one said: “Oh so sad..Tony Wilson was my # 1 artiste from the 70s. I played his music all the time on 45rpm Records, Cassettes and 8Track Tape Cartridges.
“Tony was an amazing vocalist as a solo performer and in the British Band Hot Chocolate.. ‘You’ll Always Be a Friend’, ‘I Know Why I Like Your Style’, ‘Forever Young & his version of ‘Just When I Needed You Most’ were my favourites. I still listen to his music to this day… I always say that Tony Wilson deserves the nation’s highest national award…Condolences to his family and friends ..Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Another said: “May you build a ladder to the sky and climb on every rung and may you stay forever young! I wasn’t even warm enough to say I love you cause if I tried I know you’d see right through me. I can give you only what you see!
“This man was one of Trinidad’s greatest celebrities along with folks like Carol Addison, The Hamilton Brothers, Jenny Pakeerah, Conrad Waldron and who he knew well Wildfire. He was a good one. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
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