Billy Newton-Davis

Singer, songwriter (born 26 April 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio). Newton-Davis moved in 1980 to Toronto from New York, where he had worked as a singer and dancer on Broadway. After appearing in Toronto cabaret (e.g., productions of Toronto, Toronto, Ain't Misbehavin', and Shimmytime) he turned to a nightclub and recording career at mid-decade. His first LP, Love Is a Contact Sport (Col PCC-80112), included the songs 'Deeper,' 'Right Beside You,' and 'Find My Way Back,' and brought Newton-Davis the 1986 Juno Awards for best R&B/Soul recording and as most promising male vocalist. A follow-up in 1989, Spellbound (Col FC-44499), included his most successful single to that point, 'I Can't Take It,' as well as 'Can't Live with You' (a duet with Céline Dion), and won the 1989 Juno as best R&B/Soul recording. His performing career was largely limited to the Toronto area - eg, local clubs (Nettwork, Cameron Public House, etc) and Ontario Place - until he joined the Nylons in 1991.