Fonzi Thornton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fonzi Thornton
Background information
Born	New York City, New York, United States
Genres	R&B, pop, rock, gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter/producer, vocal contractor
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1970–present
Labels	RCA
Associated acts	Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, Chic, Mick Jagger, Robert Palmer, Change (band)

Alfonso "Fonzi" Thornton is an amazing American singer, songwriter, and music producer. For over 40 years, Fonzi has sung backup for many famous artists in different types of music. His voice can be heard on songs by stars like Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Mick Jagger, Mariah Carey, David Bowie, and Lady Gaga.

From 2008 until her death in 2018, Fonzi sang backup for the legendary Aretha Franklin. He joined her for concerts, recordings, and TV shows.

Fonzi's Early Music Days

Fonzi grew up in East Harlem, New York. When he was a teenager, he joined a singing group called Shades of Jade. This is where he met his friend, Luther Vandross.

Fonzi and Luther later sang solo for "Listen My Brother" at the famous Apollo Theater. They even sang on the TV show Sesame Street! Later, Fonzi became popular in New York City nightclubs with his own band. His group, later called F360, toured England with other famous singers. They even appeared in a TV commercial with boxing legend Joe Frazier!

Working with Music Stars

Singing with Chic

In the late 1970s, music producers Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers asked Fonzi to join the band Chic. He became a male vocalist for six of their albums and went on national concert tours. You can hear his voice on many of Chic's original songs. He also sang solo on the song "You Can't Do It Alone."

After Chic stopped performing in the early 1980s, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards still wanted Fonzi's unique voice. They used him for backup vocals on hit songs for artists like Mick Jagger, Diana Ross, David Bowie, and Robert Palmer. In 2010, Nile Rodgers included some of Fonzi's unreleased songs on a Chic music collection. Most recently, Fonzi sang backup on Chic's 2015 song "I'll Be There."

Friendship with Luther Vandross

From 1980 to 1982, Fonzi rejoined his childhood friend Luther Vandross. He sang backup for Luther's first two national tours. Fonzi sang on all of Luther's gold and platinum-selling albums. He also helped organize the singers for every album.

Fonzi appeared on many TV shows and sang at Luther's concerts. He even helped write songs on Luther's last four albums. In 1986, he sang with Luther and Chaka Khan for David Bowie's song "Underground." This song was from the movie Labyrinth.

Touring with Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry

In 1982, Fonzi sang solo backup vocals on Roxy Music’s Avalon album. He then joined them for their world tour. He also performed with Bryan Ferry on several of his solo albums.

Fonzi sang with Bryan Ferry on Saturday Night Live in 1987. He also performed at the huge Live Aid concert in 1985. In 2007, Fonzi and Bryan Ferry reunited on the Late Show with David Letterman. In 2011, Fonzi joined Bryan Ferry for his first U.S. tour in 15 years. In 2014, Fonzi sang on Bryan Ferry's Avonmore album.

Fonzi's Solo Music

In 1983, RCA Records released Fonzi's first solo album, The Leader. He helped write and produce the album. The song "Beverly" from the album reached number 43 on Billboard's R&B chart.

Fonzi's second solo album, Pumpin', came out in 1984. It had a dance and funk-rock sound that was popular at the time. Both albums were re-released in 2014.

Later Music Work

Fonzi often performs at special events that honor artists. These include the Kennedy Center Honors and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

He continues to work as a session singer, which means he sings for recordings. He also regularly performed in concert with Aretha Franklin. In 2014, Fonzi appeared with Aretha on the David Letterman Show. They received a standing ovation for her performance of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." Fonzi also sang backup for Aretha's tribute to Carole King at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors.

Fonzi rejoined Bryan Ferry for his "Avonmore Tour" in 2014-2015. They toured across Europe and the UK. He continued with Ferry on the 2016 "Avonmore Tour" in the UK, Europe, and North America.

Fonzi performed live on stage with the band Pearl Jam in 2008. He sang backup vocals on their songs "All Night," "Who You Are," and "W.M.A." In 2022, Fonzi provided backup vocals for Roxy Music's 50th-anniversary tour.

Selected Music Albums

Chic

• Real People (1980)

Roxy Music

• Avalon (1982)
• Heart Still Beating (1990)

Bryan Ferry

• Boys and Girls (1985)
• Mamouna (1994)
• Avonmore (2014)

Aretha Franklin

• Jump to It (1982)
• This Christmas, Aretha (2008)
• Aretha: A Woman Falling Out Of Love (2011)
• Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics (2014)

Luther Vandross

• Never Too Much (1981)
• Give Me The Reason (1986)
• Dance with My Father (2003)
• Live Radio City Music Hall 2003 (2003)

Solo albums

• The Leader (1983)
• Pumpin' (1984)

Videos

• David Bowie: You've Been Around Colorized
• Aretha Franklin: Kennedy Center Honors 2015
• Nile Rodgers & Chic: Le Freak