Tony Hightower
“A true connoisseur of great art” defines the man that is Tony Hightower. One of the purest souls that you could ever meet, Tony refuses to be bound by trends and is committed to continuing a legacy created by great artists.
This incredible man was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Being the son of professional vocalist Theresa Hightower, Tony’s introduction to the entertainment industry began before he could walk or talk. His extensive musical training started before his days as a student at North Atlanta School for the Creative and Performing Arts. This school nurtured talents such as Jasmine Guy, Tichina Vaughn, Crystal Fox, Sonny Emory of Earth, Wind & Fire, Travis Payne, and many others.
Tony is a veteran professional. As a seasoned percussionist, songwriter, recording artist, vocalist, and producer, he has worked with many artists on a variety of projects. Tony has played drums for the following: Jomandi Productions, the Atlanta production of “Queen of the Blues” – The Life Story of Dinah Washington, Goodie Mob, Outkast, Pebbles, and Xscape. He has also done session work for several Organized Noize Production artists, including Goodie Mob and Outkast. Tony has contributed vocals to the successful projects of Gerald Levert, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the soundtrack for “Money Train,” Goodie Mob’s certified gold album “Soul Food,” Society of Soul’s album “Brainchild,” Pebbles’ album “Straight From My Heart,” Lionel Richie’s album “Louder Than Words,” and Outkast’s certified double platinum album “Aquemini.” Tony was also an artistic contributor to the song “Together We Can,” which was a project by The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (also known as the N.A.R.A.S. or The Recording Academy) to raise funds for the victims of the Columbine shooting.
As the lead singer of 4.0, Tony demonstrated his vocal, arranging, and producing talents on their 1997 self-titled album. Tony provided vocals and arrangements for his two solo albums, “Sho Yo Luv” and “Plastik Soul.” As a co-owner of the production company, The Ultra Beat Boyz, Tony also produced both of his solo albums with fellow owner, Scott Andrews.
More recently, Tony has provided background vocals for The Mo’Nique Show, Cherrelle, Lenny Williams, Glenn Jones, Angela Winbush, Kindred the Family Soul, Faith Evans, Eric Benet, and Keith Sweat. He also sang background and was featured with Candi Staton in the United Kingdom. Tony was signed as a producer with Nitti, who produced the hit “It’s Going Down” for Yung Joc and a list of other stars. Tony was also lead vocal for a Georgia Lottery commercial and has worked on countless commercials and voice overs.
In 2011, Tony’s vocal talents found him singing background for Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Family Christmas.” That opportunity led to roles in Tyler Perry’s stage plays “I Don’t Want to Do Wrong” and “The Haves and The Have Nots.” Tony is currently touring the country with Tyler Perry himself in Perry’s newest play “Madea Gets a Job.”
Tony has had the enriching experience of touring throughout the U.S. and internationally. He is a voting member of the Grammy Awards, and is also on the Nominating Committee for the Grammy Awards. For two years, Tony served as the Vice-President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Board of Governors of N.A.R.A.S., the sponsor of the Grammy Awards.
Tony Hightower is a true student of the arts. He has been deeply influenced throughout his life by talented individuals from many genres of music and from different areas of the entertainment industry. Many of his greatest influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Phil Collins, Tyler Perry, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Take 6, The Winans, Thelonious Monk, Theresa Hightower, and Chicago, among others. The inspiration that he has gained and the lessons that he has learned have resulted in his depth and commitment to create and perform the highest forms of art possible.