Billy Newton-Davis

Born in Cleveland, OH, in 1951, Billy Newton-Davis built his reputation as a Canadian jazz, gospel, and R&B singer. His first professional steps came as vocalist with the local soul outfit the Illusions, after which he headed to New York City to perform as both singer and dancer on Broadway. In 1981 he relocated to Ontario and performed throughout Toronto’s cabaret venues and nightclubs until issuing his debut album, Love Is a Contact Sport, in 1986. That year also brought Juno victories for Best R&B/Soul Recording and Most Promising Male Vocalist. The 1989 follow-up Spellbound earned another Juno while delivering Newton-Davis’s strongest chart impact through the singles “I Can’t Take It” and “Can’t Live with You,” the latter a duet with Celine Dion. He then became a member of the popular a cappella ensemble the Nylons on their 1992 release Live to Love, remaining with the group until leaving in 1994 to return to solo work.