Tony Wilson, the bassist and co-founder of the 1970s British soul band Hot Chocolate, has died at the age of 78. The musician, best known for the hit 'You Sexy Thing', passed away at his home in Trinidad on Friday, his family confirmed.
Wilson's son Danny revealed that his father kept 'staggering' secret diaries from the early 1970s, documenting the band's struggles in the 'cut throat' music industry. 'It wasn't until my mum dug out some old diaries of his from 1970 and ’71 that I realised just how hard he had to work to achieve this dream,' Danny said, describing the detailed records of rejections, interviews, touring and sales figures.
Hot Chocolate became the first predominantly Black British band to find success in the US charts, with hits including 'Everyone's A Winner' and 'Cheri Babe'. Wilson left the group in 1975 to pursue a solo career, releasing two albums, and had previously written songs for artists such as Herman's Hermits and Mary Hopkin.
Wilson's daughter also shared an emotional tribute, recalling his final moments and expressing peace that 'his soul escaped'. The musician is survived by his children.
