Austin Says Goodbye to a Music Legend: Toni Price Passes Away at 63
It’s a sad day in Austin as the beloved country-blues vocalist Toni Price has passed away, following complications from a brain aneurysm. The news was shared through an announcement on her website, and as fans and friends process this significant loss, the community is sure to unite in remembrance of her incredible impact on the music scene.
A Star is Born
Toni Price wasn’t always known by her stage name. Born Luiese Esther in Philadelphia in 1961, she found her voice at the tender age of just 10 during a summer camp talent show in Nashville. She wowed the audience with a performance of “One Tin Soldiers,” and from that moment, the name Toni stuck as she pursued a career in music.
Though she started by releasing a handful of country singles, it was her move to Austin in 1989 that truly transformed her career. Her manager, Cameron Randle, believed the vibrant blues scene in Austin was just the right fit for her talents, and he was spot on. Toni quickly built a solid fan base and became an essential part of the city’s music identity.
A Love Affair with Austin
When Toni Price found a home at Antone’s nightclub, she didn’t just find a venue; she discovered a family. It was here that she formed close bonds with other local blues legends like Lou Ann, Marcia Ball, and Angela Strehli. “They were so encouraging, like sisters,” she once shared, happily reminiscing about how the local scene was more like a close-knit family compared to her experiences in Nashville where the competition was fierce.
Musical Journey
Price was known for her breathtaking voice and her ability to connect with audiences through the songs she loved. Although she never penned her own tunes, she found success interpreting music from some of the best songwriters, including David Olney, Herb McCullough, and her long-time collaborator Gwil Owens. Toni felt a sense of awe for songwriters, admitting that it was a “sacred mystery” what they accomplished. “I can put a dress on, take it up, put on jewelry, a belt, whatever, but I didn’t make the dress,” she stated, perfectly encapsulating her humble approach to music.
Legacy of Performance
Over her impressive career, five of her albums made it onto the list of Waterloo Records’ top 100 bestsellers in 2018, solidifying her status as a local music heavyweight. For 22 years, she hosted a weekly “Hippie Hour” at the Continental Club, creating a welcoming space for local musicians and fans alike to gather, enjoy good music, and celebrate their shared love for the blues.
Even after this residency, her performances continued at various venues such as the Little Darlin’ and the Devil’s Backbone Tavern in Fischer, where she remained a staple of the local music scene.
A Multifaceted Artist
Throughout her career, Toni Price earned numerous accolades, boasting 12 Austin Music Awards from 1993 to 2004, including titles for “Best Female Vocals” and “Album of the Year.” In 2017, she was even inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame. Yet, she never shied away from speaking out about issues affecting artists; she was an advocate for fairly compensating musicians long before the conversation surrounding artist pay gained national attention.
A Community Remembers
Toni Price leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished in Austin and beyond. Her family has requested any memorial donations be made to Hospice Austin’s Christopher House in her memory. A tribute show for this beloved artist is set to be announced in the coming days, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate her life and contributions to music.
As we reflect on Toni’s beautiful voice and her unwavering spirit, it is clear that she will forever be missed. Thank you for the music, Toni!
