We are sad to report to SoulTrackers the death of DJ and Producer Tony Joseph at age 56. Joseph established an enviable career as an A-List producer for R&B, jazz and hip-hop acts, including Salt-N-Pepa, Patrice Rushen, Kid & Play and Tone Loc.
The East Elmhurst, New York-born Thomas grew up in the neighborhood with many future hip hop stars, and he early on became a music fanatic, seeing the work of producers and arrangers like Quincy Jones and Frankie Crocker as inspiration.
Joseph relocated to Los Angeles as a young man, and by the mid 80s became a staple on LA radio, hosting the top rated show “The Saturday Night Jam” on KJLH, the popularity of which ultimately led to a daily show, “The Traffic Jam.” He also became an A&R man for Polygram Records, where he helped develop the careers of Vanessa Williams and Tony Toni Tone.
As his legend grew on both coasts, Joseph became a sought after compilation producer. Joseph was one of the creators of the critically acclaimed “Unwrapped” series on Hidden Beach Records. These discs brought together artists from the hip-hop and jazz realms to create music that fused the sensibilities of both.
While Tony Joseph never developed into a household name, he left a large imprint on the music of the past three decades and will be greatly missed.
