Information/Write-up
Tony Kosinec: A Life in Music and Beyond
Early Life and Beginnings
Tony Kosinec, born in Leeds, England, and raised in Toronto, Canada, is a singer-songwriter and composer whose career spans over five decades. Kosinec first emerged on the music scene in the late 1960s, making a name for himself as a gifted folk and pop artist with a unique lyrical and melodic sensibility. His early professional journey took him to the United States, particularly to New York City, where he performed in the vibrant folk and rock circuit, sharing the stage with prominent acts such as Blood, Sweat & Tears. These experiences helped him refine his songwriting craft and build a dedicated following.
Musical Career and Breakthrough
Kosinec’s recording career officially began in 1969 when he signed with Columbia Records and released his debut album, Processes. This album introduced audiences to his sophisticated songwriting and featured the single "Simple Emotion." Notably, the album included contributions from prominent musicians, such as members of the Canadian rock band Lighthouse, and featured backing vocals by Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles.
His follow-up album, Bad Girl Songs (1970), was produced by Peter Asher, the renowned producer behind James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. This album, widely regarded as one of his best, showcased Kosinec’s evolution as a songwriter, featuring tracks like "I Use Her," "Come and Go," and "The Sun Wants Me to Love You." Despite limited mainstream commercial success, the album was highly respected within the singer-songwriter genre and was reissued in 1998.
In 1973, Kosinec released Consider the Heart, which further solidified his reputation as a talented and introspective songwriter. The album featured the standout track "All Things Come From God," which brought him critical acclaim and became one of his most recognized songs. Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, Kosinec continued to record and release music, always maintaining his poetic and deeply personal songwriting style.
Expanding Horizons: Jingles, Television, and Film
While Kosinec remained active in music, he found additional creative outlets in composing and writing. He became well known for his work in advertising, particularly in writing jingles, one of the most famous being "Okay Blue Jays," which became the theme song for the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. The song is still played during the seventh-inning stretch at Blue Jays home games and has become a beloved piece of Canadian sports culture.
Beyond commercial music, Kosinec made a successful transition into composing for film and television. His work in this arena includes scoring for productions such as Raoul Wallenberg: Buried Alive (1983), Ready or Not (1993), and Pippi Longstocking (1997). One of his most significant contributions was composing the score for the CBS mini-series Joan of Arc (1999), which starred Peter O'Toole, Shirley MacLaine, and Olympia Dukakis.
Later Career and Personal Interests
As the 2000s approached, Kosinec continued to pursue music on his own terms. He released Almost Pretty in 2000, a reflective work that demonstrated his continued passion for songwriting. Additionally, he became increasingly involved in exploring and sharing his interest in spirituality, particularly Kabbalah. Kosinec has spoken about his journey into Kabbalistic teachings and has contributed to discussions on spiritual growth and philosophical inquiry.
Legacy and Influence
Tony Kosinec's career is a testament to artistic perseverance and versatility. From his early days as a folk-rock singer-songwriter to his later work in commercial music, film, and television, he has left an indelible mark on multiple artistic fields. His influence can be seen not only in his recorded work but also in his contributions to Canadian music culture, particularly through his work on "Okay Blue Jays."
Today, Kosinec remains an intriguing figure in Canadian music history, embodying the spirit of creative evolution and lifelong artistic expression.
-Robert Williston
Musicians
Tony Kosinec: acoustic guitar, string arrangements
Mark Lams: bass
Maribeth Soloman: piano, flute
Russ Kunkel: drums
Zal Yanovsky: electric guitar
Songwriting
‘The World Still’ written by Tony Kosinec
‘I Use Her’ written by Tony Kosinec
‘Bad Girls’ written by Tony Kosinec
‘Come and Go’ written by R. James and Tony Kosinec
‘Medley: It’s Raining – Car, Car, Car’ written by Mark Shekter and Tony Kosinec
‘’48 DeSoto’ written by Robert Sandler and Tony Kosinec
‘Gemini at Pains’ written by Robert Sandler and Tony Kosinec
‘Me and My Friends’ written by Robert Sandler and Tony Kosinec
‘Dinner Time’ written by Jerry Leichtling
‘Wheatfield’ written by Robert Sandler and Tony Kosinec
‘The Sun Wants Me to Love You’ written by Tony Kosinec
‘My Cat Ain’t Comin’ Back’ written by Mark Shekter, Robert Sandler and Tony Kosinec
Production
Produced by Peter Asher in New York & LA in 1970
Engineered by Eric Prestidge and Jim Reeves
Mastered at Customatrix
Manufacturing
Manufactured by Columbia Records and CBS Inc.
Pressed by Columbia Records Pressing Plant
Artwork
Cover design by Karenlee Grant
Back cover photography by Rick Sanders
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