12 Facts About Fonzi Thornton

Alfonso "Fonzi" Thornton is an American vocalist, songwriter, producer and vocal contractor.

In 2008, Fonzi Thornton joined the musical entourage of Aretha Franklin as backing vocalist and vocal contractor and continued to accompany her in concert, on recordings and TV until her death in 2018.

Later, Thornton gained a following on the NYC night club circuit with his band and self-titled vocal trio Fonzi.

Fonzi Thornton can be heard on many of Chic's original recordings including "Good Times" and "My Forbidden Lover" from their 1979 Risque.

Fonzi Thornton appeared as the soloist on "You Can't Do It Alone" on Real People.

From 1980 through 1982, Fonzi Thornton rejoined his childhood friend Luther Vandross as a backup singer for his first two national tours.

Besides singing on all of Vandross' gold and platinum recordings, Fonzi Thornton served as vocal contractor for every album, appeared on numerous TV shows, sat in on the singer's concerts and co-wrote songs on Luther's final four albums.

Fonzi Thornton performed with Bryan Ferry on several solo albums, on Saturday Night Live in 1987 and in 1985, at Live Aid.

In 2007, Fonzi Thornton reunited with Ferry on the Late Show with David Letterman for US debut of his CD Dylanesque, and in 2011 joined Ferry on his first US tour in 15 years.

In 2014, Fonzi Thornton again joined Ferry, providing vocals on his most recent Avonmore album.

Fonzi Thornton maintains his career as a session singer and appeared regularly in concert with Aretha Franklin.

In October 2014, Fonzi Thornton appeared with Aretha on the David Letterman Show to a standing ovation for her performance of Adele's Rolling in the Deep.