Tony Hearne, born in South London, UK, made his initial mark in the early 1980s with two single releases: "Without Your Love I'd Go Crazy" and "Gotta Get You Home Tonight," both on NK Records, produced by Neville King and distributed by Jet Star. He later recorded two additional singles, "Shake You Down" and "Sisters and Brothers," for Fresh Beat Records, all of which were UK lovers rock reggae covers of contemporary popular songs.
In the 1990s, Hearne transitioned to a significant role as A&R and studio manager at Dug Out Productions, a studio and record label based in Lewisham, South London. This opportunity arose through his long-term friend and collaborator Paul “Dr Cuz” Cozens. Dug Out Productions was founded by US/UK chart-topping artist Maxi Priest and his brother Martin Elliott. During this time, Hearne played a crucial role in signing UK R&B singer Elisha La'verne, dedicating time to nurture her talent as a singer-songwriter. He subsequently became La'verne's personal manager, where, with the support of Maxi Priest, Martin Elliott, and Jet Star distribution CEO Mr. Palmer, he managed her successful career across the UK, Europe, and Japan while she was signed to Avex Inc. in Japan.
Hearne was pivotal in facilitating various musical collaborations alongside Avex Inc.'s international A&R Ken “Sugarcane” Sato, Avex UK record label manager Yuki Shimahara, and A&R Steve Wren. He worked extensively in the UK, Japan, Europe, and the US, collaborating with Japan's leading R&B producer/songwriter T.Kura in both Tokyo and Soho Studio in the UK. Together, they co-wrote "Give Me a Reason" and "I'm Not Dreaming," which became No. 1 hits in Japan.
As Elisha La'verne released multiple albums, Hearne organized tours and live performances in Japan, Europe, and the UK. He was instrumental in setting up a live show at the Blue Note club in Osaka, Japan, featuring UK singer-songwriter Omar's first performance in the country. Hearne also toured with Maxi Priest in Japan and New York, where he met artists Shaggy and Beenie Man, and was invited to attend Beenie Man's live showcase in New York City.
In the UK, Hearne collaborated with 2B3 Productions' producers/songwriters Neville Thomas and Pule Pheto, as well as music producers Michael Daley, Rickardo Reid, and Wayne Lawes. He worked with UK house music producer/remixer Booker T, Kenny Nicholas, and Trevor Jacobs from Loose Ends, along with US soul songwriter/producer Alan Glass, who later introduced him to Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. Other collaborators included George McFarlane, Prime Direction UK, Rod and Hellen Gammons (MBA), singer-songwriter Mark Morrison, US songwriter David “Hawk” Wolinski, and Jazzy B from Soul II Soul, who generously provided studio time in Camden Town, London. Additionally, he worked with songwriter/producer/cinematographer Roger Russell (Double R).
Hearne traveled to Chicago with Elisha La'verne, collaborating with producer/songwriter Kay Fingers at Battery Studios, the home of Jive Records US. While in Chicago, he met a group of rappers named "Nickle Slick," whom he later signed to his management company. He then moved to New York, where he collaborated with producer/songwriters The Characters (Troy Tailor and Charles Farar) at their renowned White Room Studios, resulting in the song "Feeling of Life" among others for La'verne.
Hearne's work took him to Atlanta, Georgia, where he collaborated with producer/songwriters Sean Sep Hall and Nathan Butler, as well as singer-songwriter Pink, leading to the single "Elisha's Not At Home," recorded by La'verne. This collaboration occurred at Darp Studios, where he also met and worked with US R&B singer Monica and rappers Chuck D and Professor Griff from Public Enemy.
In Los Angeles, Hearne continued collaborating on various song titles for La'verne's albums. Among his collaborators were musician/songwriter/producer Marlon McLain and Lavish Records CEO songwriter/producer Shiro Gutzie. Together, they produced a music video for the La'verne song "Elisha's Not At Home," filmed on location in Hollywood and featuring L.A.-based rapper Vooodu. The song was subsequently released by Avex Inc. in Japan and Epic Records in Europe, becoming the theme tune for the German feature film "St. Pauli Nacht" (1999), leading to invitations for both Hearne and La'verne to the film's premiere in Hamburg, Germany.
While in Germany, they filmed an alternative music video for "Elisha's Not At Home," featuring actor Ill-Young Kim. This was not Hearne's first venture into Europe; early in his career, he traveled to Holland to oversee a collaboration that resulted in La'verne working with Dutch R&B music producer/songwriter duo Triple D and Channo One.
Continuing his collaborations in the US, Hearne worked alongside the late singer/songwriter/producer and musical director Big Jim White (Sounds of Blackness) and Professor T in Minneapolis at the famed Flyte Tyme Studios, owned by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. During this time, he received valuable advice from Jimmy Jam, which inspired him throughout his career in the music industry.
Tony Hearne has enjoyed a multifaceted career in music as an artist, songwriter, and later as a personal artist manager. This role has allowed him to travel worldwide and engage with numerous artists and record companies. He credits much of his success to the guidance and support of his mentors, Maxi Priest and Martin Elliott.
