Biography
Toni Price (born Luiese Esther Price on March 13, 1961, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a celebrated American country blues singer whose career became synonymous with the vibrant Austin, Texas music scene. Adopted and raised by the Prices, she was named after her grandmothers and first encountered blues through the music of Bonnie Raitt, later delving into the works of classic blueswomen like Sippie Wallace and Victoria Spivey. After early years in New Jersey and Nashville—where she made her stage debut at age 10—Price found the Nashville music industry too restrictive and relocated to Austin in 1989 after a pivotal performance at the South by Southwest festival.[1][2][6]
In Austin, Price flourished, becoming a fixture at Antone’s nightclub and forging deep ties with the local blues community. Her debut album, 'Swim Away' (1993), and its follow-up 'Hey' (1995) received critical acclaim, with her soulful, honeyed alto drawing comparisons to Patsy Cline and Bonnie Raitt. Price was known for her eclectic blend of country, blues, and Americana, and for her long-running 'Hippie Hour' Tuesday night residency at the Continental Club, which became a beloved Austin tradition. Over her career, she released numerous albums and earned multiple Austin Music Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.[1][2][3]
Price was celebrated for her authenticity and commitment to performing on her own terms, rarely touring outside Austin and cultivating a devoted local following. Her collaborations with local musicians, especially the late fiddler Champ Hood, and her mentorship of younger artists cemented her legacy as a cornerstone of Austin’s roots music scene. Toni Price died on November 22, 2024, at age 63, following complications from a brain aneurysm, leaving behind a rich legacy of soulful performances and community spirit.[1][2][6]
Fun Facts
- Toni Price performed at the wedding of actress Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder in 2002.
- She was known for her unwavering commitment to Austin, rarely touring and instead building a devoted local fanbase through her weekly 'Hippie Hour' residency.
- Price won at least 12 Austin Music Awards and was inducted into the Austin Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Her third album, 'Sol Power,' was recorded live in the remote Texas town of Alpine, inspired by the surrounding desert landscape.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Bonnie Raitt - Early inspiration and exposure to blues; Price studied Raitt's recordings and those of Raitt's influences. (Influence evident throughout Price's vocal style and repertoire.) [1970s–1980s]
- Clifford Antone - Owner of Antone's blues nightclub in Austin; welcomed Price into the Austin blues community and provided support. (Guidance and opportunities at Antone's club.) [1989–2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Gwil Owen - Principal songwriter and collaborator; wrote much of Price's debut album. (Swim Away (1993), other albums) [1986–2000s]
- Champ Hood - Fiddler/guitarist/mandolinist; frequent live and studio collaborator until his death. (Regular band member, featured on multiple albums and live performances) [1990s–2001]
- Derek O'Brien - Austin guitarist and producer; produced Price's second album. (Hey (1995)) [1990s]
- Casper Rawls - Guitarist; regular member of Price's band and live performances. (Live residencies, albums) [1990s–2010s]
- Warren Hood - Son of Champ Hood; joined Price's band as fiddler after his father's death. (Live performances, especially during residencies) [2001–2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Warren Hood - Mentored and featured as a key band member after his father's passing. (Live performances with Price) [2001–2010s]
- Austin roots/blues musicians - Inspired a generation of Austin-based performers through her long-standing residencies and collaborative spirit. (Numerous live collaborations and mentorships) [1990s–2020s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Church Street Blues | 1983-01-01 | Album |
| Guitar | 2005-04-19 | Album |
| Skaggs And Rice | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Tone Poems | 1994-05-01 | Album |
| Cold On The Shoulder | 1984-01-01 | Album |
| The Pizza Tapes Extra Large Edition | 2011-01-04 | Album |
| Norman Blake & Tony Rice 2 | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| California Autumn (California Autumn re-release) | 1975 | Album |
| Quartet | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Tony Rice Plays And Sings Bluegrass | 1993-09-17 | Album |
| Native American | 1988-01-01 | Album |
| Blake & Rice | 1987-01-01 | Album |
| Night Flyer: The Singer Songwriter Collection | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Me & My Guitar | 1986-01-01 | Album |
| Tony Rice | 1977-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Freeborn Man (Guitar)
- Church Street Blues (Church Street Blues)
- Where The Soul Of Man Never Dies (Skaggs And Rice)
- Bury Me Beneath The Weeping Willow (Skaggs And Rice)
- Streets Of London (Church Street Blues)
- Blackberry Blossom (Norman Blake & Tony Rice 2)
- Cold On The Shoulder (Cold On The Shoulder)
- Big Spike Hammer (The Bluegrass Album, Vol. 3: California Connection)
- Wildwood Flower (Tone Poems)
- Moonlight Midnight (Quartet)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Toni Price has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2025 | 22:41 | Richest One | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady |