Tony Hearne born in South London UK had 2 single releases in the early 80's (Without your love I'd go crazy & Gotta get you home tonight) on NK records which was produced by Neville King and distributed by Jet Star. He sang on to 2 more singles releases (Shake you down & Sisters and Brothers) for Fresh Beat records and all were UK lovers rock reggae cover version's of popular songs of the time.
In the 90's Tony Hearne became the A&R and studio manager for Dug Out Productions studio and record label based in Lewisham South London after being introduced by his long term friend and collaborator Paul “Dr Cuz” Cozens. Dugout Productions was the creation of US/UK chart topping artist Maxi Priest and his brother Martin Elliott. Tony Hearne helped to sign UK R&B singer Elisha La'verne to the newly formed record label after spending some time nurturing her talent as a singer song writer.
Tony Hearne went on to became Elisha's personal manager and with the help and guidance of Maxi Priest, Martin Elliott and Jet Star distribution CEO Mr Palmer, Tony Hearne along with Martin Elliott managed Elisha's La'verne's career throughout her many successful years in the UK, Europe and Japan whilst she was signed to record label Avex Inc Japan.
Tony Hearne was instrumental in putting together an array of musical collaborations alongside Avex Inc international A&R Ken “Sugarcane” Sato, Avex UK Record Label manager Yuki Shimahara and Avex UK A&R Steve Wren. Tony Hearne worked tirelessly in the UK, Japan, Europe and the US. He collaborated with Japans top R&B producer/song writer T.Kura in Tokyo and the UK (Soho Studio) and co-wrote song titles such as “Give me a Reason” & “I’m not dreaming” with Elisha La’verne which were No1 hit songs in Japan.
Upon release of Elisha’s many albums Tony organised tours and live shows in Japan, Europe and the UK. He was also instrumental in setting up a live show in the Blue Note club in Osaka Japan for UK Singer/songwriter Omar first live appearance in Japan . Tony toured with Maxi Priest in both Japan and New York where he was introduced to artist Shaggy and Bennie man and was invited to attend the Bennie man live showcase in New York City.
In the UK Tony Hearne collaborated with 2B3 Productions producers/songwriters Neville Thomas & Pule Pheto , Music Producers The full Crew Michael Daley, Rickardo Reid and Wayne Lawes, UK House music producer/remixer Booker T, Kenny Nicholas and Trevor Jacobs (Loose Ends), UK based US soul songwriter/producer Alan Glass (who later introduced Tony to Phillip Baily of earth wind & fire), George McFarlane, Prime Direction UK Rod and Hellen Gammons (MBA), Singer/ Song writer Mark Morrison and US Song writer David “Hawk” Wolinski, Jazzy B of Soul to Soul who generously provided studio time within his studio complex based in Camden Town London, Songwriter/Producer/Cinematographer Roger Russell (Double R).
Tony Hearne was flown to Chicago with his Artist Elisha La,verne and together worked on collaborations with Kay Fingers (Producer/Song writer) in Battery studios the home of Jive Records US. Whilst in Chicago he was also introduce to a group of Rappers named “Nickle Slick” an act which he later signed to his management company.
Tony then worked New York on a collaboration with producer/songwriters The Characters (Troy Tailor & Charles Farar) in their infamous White Room Studios were studio engineer Ben Garrison was at the controls. This resulted in the Elisha La’verne song titled “Feeling of Life” amongst others.
Tony went on to spend time in Atlanta Georgia in the US on a collaboration with Producer/songwriters Sean Sep Hall, Nathan Butler and Singer/Song writer Pink which resulted in the single release of song title “Elisha’s Not At Home” sang by Elisha Laverne. The collaboration took place in Darp Studios where he was introduced to songwriter/ music & film producer Dallas Austin. Whilst at Darp Studio as well as meeting and working with Pink, He was also introduced to US r&b singer Monica and Rappers Chuck D & Professor Griff of the group Public Enemy.
Tony Hearne also spent time in Los Angeles were he worked on collaborations for various song titles later recorded by Elisha La’verne for her albums. Amongst the people he collaborated with whilst in L.A was Musician/Songwriter/ Producer Marlon McLain (Pleasure, The Dazz band, Motown Records & Mac Man Music) and Lavish Records CEO songwriter/Producer Shiro Gutzie and Shay Todd (Actress and fashion designer).
Together Tony and Shiro oversee the production of a music video for the Elisha La’verne song title “ Elisha’s not at home” which was filmed on location in Hollywood and featured the L.A. based rapper Vooodu. The song went on to be released by Avex Inc in Japan and Epic records in Europe. It also become the theme tune to German feature film St. Pauli Nacht (1999) and both Tony and Elisha were invited to the premier night of the films release in Hamburg Germany.
Whilst in Germany they filmed an alternative music video for the song “Elisha’s not at home” which featured the main character from the film actor Ill-Young Kim. This was not Tony’s first visit to Europe. In the early years Tony flew to Holland to oversee the collaboration he helped put together which resulted in Elisha working with Dutch R&B music producer/Song writer duo Triple D & Channo One.
Tony Hearne continued his collaborations in the US working alongside the late singer/songwriter/ producer and musical director Big Jim White (Sounds of Blackness) and Professor T. The collaboration took place in Minneapolis at the famous Flyte Tyme Studios owned and founded by the great Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Whilst there he was introduced to Jimmy Jam who provided him with words of wisdom and advice which helped inspire Tony Hearne during his career in the music industry throughout the years.
Tony Hearne enjoyed his time in music not only as an artist/songwriter but also in the later years as a Personal Artist Manager. It enabled him to travel the world, meet and collaborate with a host of people and record companies. He is also adamant that it would not have been possible to achieve without the help of his mentors Maxi Priest and Martin Elliott.
