Toni Wine
Toni Wine, born on June 4, 1947, in Washington Heights, New York City, is an esteemed American pop music songwriter and singer. She studied piano at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music and began her career as a songwriter for Screen Gems Publishing. Wine is best known for co-writing hits such as "A Groovy Kind of Love" for The Mindbenders, "Candida" for Tony Orlando and Dawn, and "Black Pearl" for Checkmates, Ltd. She also sang the female vocals for The Archies, notably on their #1 hit "Sugar, Sugar."
In 1963, Wine had a charted single with "My Boyfriend's Coming Home For Christmas," and she co-wrote The Shirelles' hit "Tonight You're Gonna Fall in Love With Me" in 1964. Her collaboration with Carole Bayer Sager led to the success of "A Groovy Kind of Love," which became a hit again in 1988 for Phil Collins.
Wine released 12 singles as a solo artist between 1963 and 1977 and co-wrote The Ronettes' 1969 single "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered" with Phil Spector. She joined The Archies in 1969 and contributed to their bubblegum pop sound.
After relocating to Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband, record producer Chips Moman, Wine continued her songwriting and session singing career. She was one of the voices behind the iconic Meow Mix jingle and sang backup on Steely Dan's "Babylon Sisters."
Wine has toured with Tony Orlando as a vocalist and keyboardist, performing in his 2007, 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2022 tours. Her contributions to pop music, both as a songwriter and performer, have left a lasting impact on the industry.