Tony Hester

about

Detroit native Tony Hester's "In the Rain" remains one of the most popular, enduring, and recorded R&B tunes. First done by the Dramatics, the song established them on the R&B circuit and Hester as an ace songwriter. Hester's music odyssey began on the east side of Detroit where he attended St. Catherine High school and later McComb College for two years. Sensing college wasn't what he wanted, he quit and started writing songs. Most of his writing occurred in the basement of his mother's house, first at a piano originally purchased for his sister who lost interest, and later on one he purchased. Hester never studied but was able to play by ear. However, he never played on any of his sessions, always opting for better players. Hester got his first song recorded at the age of 14 by the Marvelettes: "A Little Bit of Sympathy," the flip side of "You're My Remedy." Motown wanted to sign him to a seven-year contract, but Hester refused, not wanting to commit himself for seven years. Detroit had groups galore and Hester sang with lots of them. He sang on a Holidays' recording when he was 18 but soon lost interest in groups because of the constant hassles. He later recorded a solo entitled, "Just Can't Leave You," backed by "Watch Your step," on Karate Records. Hester wrote the A-side which received airplay in when released; the recording is now a big favorite of European soul music lovers. Golden World Records also wanted to sign Hester to contracts but again Hester refused. Sho

top songs

albums

Pied Piper Presents A New Concept In Detroit Soul

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Just Can't Leave You / Give Me Lots Of Lovin'

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Popcorn's Detroit Soul Party

Pied Piper: Follow Your Soul

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Goin' to a Happening - the Northern Soul of Richard 'popcorn' Wylie

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Wigan Casino All-Nighter

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Treasure Chest Of Northern Soul

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Nothing Can Stop Me From Loving You

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Pied Piper: The Pinnacle Of Detroit Northern Soul

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Treasure Chest Of Northern Sou

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Groovesville Review 3

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Wigan Casino All-Nighter [Album]

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