Tokio Myers
Torville Jones (born 6 April 1984), better known by his stage name Tokio Myers,[1] is a British pianist and record producer, who was born in London, England. He won reality show Britain's Got Talent in 2017[2] playing Debussy's "Clair de lune", which turned into Ed Sheeran's song "Bloodstream"; Rihanna's "Diamonds" in semi-final 3; and in the final, Hans Zimmer's Interstellar theme soundtrack and Rag'n'Bone Man's hit "Human". After winning Britain's Got Talent in 2017, Myers released many of his independent compositions and became a major internet sensation. In October 2017, he announced his debut single, "Bloodstream", along with his debut album Our Generation. The single is a studio rendition of his audition performance on Britain's Got Talent.
Tokio Myers | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Torville Ashburn M. Jones |
Born | London, England | 6 April 1984
Genres |
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Occupation(s) | Pianist |
Instruments | Piano, drums, keyboards, synthesizer, electronic drums, synth pads |
Years active | 2000s–present |
Labels | |
Associated acts | Mr Hudson |
Website | tokiomyers |
Early life
Torville Jones was born on 6 April 1984, and is of West Indian and British descent. Growing up, he saw his headmaster, Philip Lawrence, stabbed to death outside the gates of St George's Catholic School in north London. Myers was 11 at the time and was led to safety inside the building by his music teacher.[3] He went on to study with a full scholarship at the Royal College of Music.
Career
Myers has previously supported Kanye West, The Police and Amy Winehouse when he toured with producer Mr Hudson's band Mr Hudson and the Library. Myers also supported Lianne La Havas on her 2016 European Tour.[1]
He used synths and a sample pad as part of his performances, fusing classical roots with dance and pop genres. He was signed to a publishing deal with BMG.[4]
In June 2017, Myers featured in and co-produced a charity single of "Bridge over Troubled Water" to raise money for those impacted by the Grenfell Tower fire, which happened in North Kensington on 14 June 2017.
On 13 October 2017, he released his official debut single, entitled "Bloodstream", which is his studio rendition of his audition performance at Britain's Got Talent. It was also announced as being the lead single from his debut album, entitled Our Generation, which being released in November 2017.
On 5 November 2017, Myers performed as a guest on The X Factor, performing "Angel", and he returned in the final, to duet with Kevin Davy White performing "Fastlove, Pt. 1" by George Michael.
On 4 February 2019, Myers competed in America's Got Talent: The Champions. The first time travelling to the US, his performance consisted of performing a medley of Claude Debussy's "Clair de lune" and Ed Sheeran's "Bloodstream" on the piano and drums. He failed to make it to the final. He returned in the finale as a guest along with Voices of Hope Children's Choir, performing "All We Got" by Robin Schulz.
On 11 September 2019, Myers performed as a guest on America's Got Talent along with Stewart Copeland, performing "Safe and Sound".[5] English singer Grace Davies performed the vocals.
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
---|---|---|---|
UK [6] | |||
Our Generation |
|
4 |
|
As lead artist
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
---|---|---|---|---|
UK [6] | ||||
"Bloodstream" | 2017 | — | Our Generation | |
"Baltimore" | — | |||
"Angel" | 61 | |||
"Children" | — | |||
"Enter the Jungle" (featuring Akala) |
2019 | — | TBA | |
As featured artist
Title | Year | Peak chart positions |
---|---|---|
UK | ||
"Bridge over Troubled Water" (as part of Artists for Grenfell) |
2017 | 1 |
Remixes
Title | Year | Original Artist(s) |
---|---|---|
"I Miss You" | 2017 | Clean Bandit (featuring Julia Michaels) |
References
- "Britain's Got Talent 2017: who is winner Tokio Myers?". The Telegraph. 4 June 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- Nattrass, JJ (3 June 2017). "Musician Tokio Myers wins Britain's Got Talent 2017 after emotional final show". The Mirror. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
- Dawson, James (5 June 2017). "Tokio Myers Will Donate 'Britain's Got Talent' Winnings To Build Music School". LADbible. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- Benjamin, Kim (6 October 2016). "Event Awards 2016: one week to go". eventmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- Deen, Sarah (12 September 2019). "Simon Cowell sends 'incredible' 10-year-old opera singer Emanne Beasha to America's Got Talent finals". Metro.
- "Tokio Myers | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
External links
Preceded by Richard Jones |
Winner of Britain's Got Talent 2017 |
Succeeded by Lost Voice Guy |