Newton-Davis, Billy

Websites:  https://www.billynewtondavismusic.com/, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/billy-newton-davis-emc
Origin: Cleveland, Ohio - Toronto, Ontario
Biography:

Billy Newton-Davis grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and as a teenager he was one of two lead singers in a local soul band called “The Illusions”.

He received his Bachelor Of Fine Arts Degree from Ohio University and upon graduation moved to New York to pursue his dreams on Broadway. He appeared in several Broadway shows including “Bubblin Brown Sugar”, “Eubie”, “Got Tu Go Disco”, and “Stop The World”, starring Sammy Davis Jr. His debut singing gig, in 1973, was as a backing vocalist to Gloria Gaynor, and in 1989 he released “Can’t Live with You, Can’t Live Without You,” a duet with Céline Dion.

​A formidable presence in the Canadian music industry, Billy received Junos for best R&B/soul recording for his first two albums "Love Is a Contact Sport" (1986) and "Spellbound" (1989), and more recently a Juno for best dance recording of the year for his work with deadmau5 on “All U Ever Want.” Billy is featured on releases by The Boomtang Boys, Nino Anthony, and MelleeFresh. From 1991-93, he was a member of Canadian super singing group, The Nylons.

 In Toronto, Billy has become a favourite performer for philanthropic and corporate events, and regularly appears in the city's best live venues performing jazz, gospel and R&B. For decades, Billy has been lending his voice as an activist for HIV/AIDS awareness and the ongoing fight for equality.

​Billy's latest EP, released in 2020 is a jazzy, bluesy, gospelicious offering recorded live-off-the-floor and features some of his favourite classics from the great American songbook.

Singer, songwriter (born 26 April 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio). Newton-Davis moved in 1980 to Toronto from New York, where he had worked as a singer and dancer on Broadway. After appearing in Toronto cabaret (e.g., productions of Toronto, Toronto, Ain't Misbehavin', and Shimmytime) he turned to a nightclub and recording career at mid-decade. His first LP, Love Is a Contact Sport (Col PCC-80112), included the songs 'Deeper,' 'Right Beside You,' and 'Find My Way Back,' and brought Newton-Davis the 1986 Juno Awards for best R&B/Soul recording and as most promising male vocalist. A follow-up in 1989, Spellbound (Col FC-44499), included his most successful single to that point, 'I Can't Take It,' as well as 'Can't Live with You' (a duet with Céline Dion), and won the 1989 Juno as best R&B/Soul recording. His performing career was largely limited to the Toronto area - eg, local clubs (Nettwork, Cameron Public House, etc) and Ontario Place - until he joined the Nylons in 1991.