Tony Wilson, endorsed as the YOUNG JAMES BROWN by the Godfather of Soul himself, is a Chicago native, and has entertainment in his blood. Since a teen, Tony has been performing and electrifying audiences with his own style, showmanship, charisma and especially, his dance moves.
In his 20’s, Tony realized that he had an excellent future as a performer, and began entering contests such as the Apollo, and other venues. Tony was crowned the Best Michael Jackson Entertainer, and asked to be on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, took an interest and liking to Tony, and today, Tony continues to look up to Joe Jackson as a mentor and friend. From that infamous day on Oprah, Tony’s life changed. Soon, major entertainers such as James Brown himself were calling on him for movie roles, to be a stand-in, or to even back them with his band. James Brown saw Tony perform, and was so impressed with his unique style and showmanship, he asked Tony to be in Tony Scott’s Internet-only short film “Beat the Devil”.
Additionally, at James Brown’s behest, Tony was personally selected by Brown to portray the Young James Brown in “Funk Blast”. Brown personally named Tony the “Young James Brown” on the movie set…the only person to ever receive such an endorsement by the Godfather himself!