R.I.P. legendary producer and DJ Tony Joseph

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    We are sad to report to SoulTrackers the death of DJ and Producer Tony Joseph at age 56. Joseph established an enviable career as an A-List producer for R&B, jazz and hip-hop acts, including Salt-N-Pepa, Patrice Rushen, Kid & Play and Tone Loc.

    The East Elmhurst, New York-born Thomas grew up in the neighborhood with many future hip hop stars, and he early on became a music fanatic, seeing the work of producers and arrangers like Quincy Jones and Frankie Crocker as inspiration.

    Joseph relocated to Los Angeles as a young man, and by the mid 80s became a staple on LA radio, hosting the top rated show “The Saturday Night Jam” on KJLH, the popularity of which ultimately led to a daily show, "The Traffic Jam." He also became an A&R man for Polygram Records, where he helped develop the careers of Vanessa Williams and Tony Toni Tone.

    We are sad to report to SoulTrackers the death of DJ and Producer Tony Joseph at age 56. Joseph established an enviable career as an A-List producer for R&B, jazz and hip-hop acts, including Salt-N-Pepa, Patrice Rushen, Kid & Play and Tone Loc.

    The East Elmhurst, New York-born Thomas grew up in the neighborhood with many future hip hop stars, and he early on became a music fanatic, seeing the work of producers and arrangers like Quincy Jones and Frankie Crocker as inspiration.

    Joseph relocated to Los Angeles as a young man, and by the mid 80s became a staple on LA radio, hosting the top rated show “The Saturday Night Jam” on KJLH, the popularity of which ultimately led to a daily show, "The Traffic Jam." He also became an A&R man for Polygram Records, where he helped develop the careers of Vanessa Williams and Tony Toni Tone.

    As his legend grew on both coasts, Joseph became a sought after compilation producer. Joseph was one of the creators of the critically acclaimed “Unwrapped” series on Hidden Beach Records. These discs brought together artists from the hip-hop and jazz realms to create music that fused the sensibilities of both.

    While Tony Joseph never developed into a household name, he left a large imprint on the music of the past three decades and will be greatly missed.