Kevin Toney

Kevin Toney (1953–2024) was a Detroit-born keyboardist and composer whose career ran from jazz-funk to smooth jazz. He learned piano, cello and saxophone as a child, and while studying at Howard University he joined the Blackbyrds, the student band formed by trumpeter and educator Donald Byrd. The group shared stages with Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Grover Washington Jr., and scored hits including “Rock Creek Park”.

After the Blackbyrds, Toney released Special K in 1982 and won wider attention with Lovescape (1993), which opens with “Kings”. From 1999 he recorded for Shanachie, beginning with Extra Sensual Perception and continuing through Strut (2001), Sweet Spot (2003) and 110 Degrees and Rising (2005). Music from Strut was selected for the 2002 Winter Olympics, and JazzTimes heard firm roots in jazz, blues and gospel beneath that album’s accessible, radio-friendly tunes. He also produced Satin Doll: Smooth Jazz Plays Duke Ellington and worked with Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Toney died in March 2024, aged 70.